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Departments

Court Dockets

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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.

 

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Curtis Pecor v. Hart & Cooley Inc., d/b/a Heat-Fab Inc.

Allegation: Negligent training and supervision of employees and failure to adhere to proper safety and energy-control procedures causing loss of plaintiff’s fingers on both hands: $245,714.95

Filed: 9/20/12

 

Joachin Neteler v. Nex Performance Films Inc.

Allegation: Breach of employment contract: $83,333.36

Filed: 10/18/12

 

Kamela Christara v. Amerigas Propane, L.P. and Sirius Inc.

Allegation: Negligence causing acute CO exposure: $102,546.78

9/14/12

 

Kevin C. Dodge v. James M. Douglas, Jocelyn M. Keech,  Jimmy E. Hillock, Hillock’s Logging Co., and Hanover Insurance Co.

Allegation: Wrongful removal of trees: $27,050

Filed: 10/31/12

 

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

American Express Bank, FSB v. Robert S. Reid III a/k/a Robert S. Reidaka and Stewart’s Nursery Inc. a/k/a/ Stewart Nursery

Allegation: Monies due for breach of contract, monies loaned, and services rendered: $21,845.94

Filed: 9/17/12

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Akin Odutola v. Northern Educational Services Inc.

Allegation: Breach of purchase-and-sale agreement for property: $52,050

Filed: 10/26/12

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Maura Whalen v. Town of Granby Public Schools

Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+

Filed: 10/25/12

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Cheryl Maffie v. Northampton Motor Classics, LLC

Allegation: Breach of warranty and misrepresentation regarding sale of a motor vehicle: $14,924.88

Filed: 11/2/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

American Zurich Insurance Co. v. Carlos Professional Deliveries

Allegation: Monies due for breach of contract: $7,543.00

Filed: 8/29/12

 

The Glidden Co. v. King Brothers Painting and Staining Inc. d/b/a King Brothers Decorating

Allegation: Money due for breach of contract, monies loaned, and services rendered: $8,303.08

Filed: 10/24/12

PictureThis

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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]

 

Night at the Museum

Partygoers recently donned their most elegant outfits for an annual fund-raising event, the Springfield Museums Holiday Gala. Guests gathered in the Science Museum for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, where they toured the Gingerbread Fairy Tales exhibit, then enjoyed dinner in the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The event helps underwrite the many educational programs at the Springfield Museums. Top: from left, Carol Moore Cutting, owner, WEIB; Beverly Hill; and Willie Hill, director, UMass Fine Arts Center. Middle: from left, artist Doug Brega; Carol Leary, president, Bay Path College; and Richard Flynn, president, Springfield College. Bottom: from left, Debbie DeBonis, payroll manager, Mass. Career Development Institute; Rick DeBonis, senior vice president, Hampden Bank; Mark Bartos, account executive, abc40/FOX6; Mary Ellen Scott; and Roy Scott.

(Photos by Ed Cohen)





























Ringing the Opening Bell

To celebrate the bank’s transfer from NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange, Michael Daly, CEO of Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Berkshire Bank, rang the NYSE opening bell on Nov. 29 at 9:30 am. Transfer to NYSE is a significant step in the growth and success of the company. Before the transfer, the company’s stock was listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The company began NYSE trading on November 19 and retains the ticker symbol BHLB. Seen here, from left, are Pat Sullivan, executive vice president, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; Richard Marotta, executive vice president, Risk Management; Sean Gray, executive vice president, Retail Banking; Daly; Larry Bossidy, board chair; Linda Johnston, executive vice president, Human Resources; and Kevin Riley, CFO.





Bacon and Basketball

UMass Minutemen basketball coach Derek Kellogg, pictured at top before a filled Center Court, was the keynote speaker for December’s Affiliated Chambers of Commerce Breakfast Club at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Middle: emcee Scott Coen of the River 93.9 and WHMP congratulates Claudine Gaj, owner and chef of the Magic Spoon catering company, who was one of the companies saluted during the morning event. Bottom: Steve Hayes of the Drama Studio introduces a young actress to perform a scene from The Little Princess.

Editorial

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Opinion
Some Things We’d Like to See in 2013

As we prepare to put an intriguing, if unremarkable, business year behind us, it’s time to look ahead to 2013, with some hopes, expectations, and concerns.

Here’s a quick list of some of the things we’d like to see, or not see, in the year ahead.

• First, we only want to see Square One director Joan Kagan’s picture in the newspaper, or this magazine, if she’s at the annual tea wearing one of those big hats or, even better, wielding a ceremonial shovel at a groundbreaking for a new facility in Springfield’s South End. After the tornado in 2011 and the gas explosion in 2012 erased two facilities with Square One signs on the front, it’s time for this nonprofit agency and its leader to get a break and eventually turn these twin calamities into opportunities.

• And now, we return to the issue that dominated 2012 in every way — casinos. It is our hope that the process to determine the winner of the Western Mass. casino moves more quickly, and more civilly, than it did over the past several months. As we said back in the summer, it’s unlikely that anything else is going to get done around here, and especially in downtown Springfield, until we determine where the casino is going to go. So this needs to get settled. And while we understand that this is a competition with very high stakes, we’d like to see more energy put into making these projects work for the region and less energy spent criticizing rival plans.

• Meanwhile, we’d like the players in this market to take a page from the script written in Northeastern Pennsylvania (see story, page 6), where a revenue-sharing agreement was worked out among the communities around Bethlehem, where the casino was eventually built. This casino fight shouldn’t be a winner-take-all proposition. Many area communities will share in the headaches that come with a casino, and they should also share the wealth.

• And while the casino battle plays out, area economic-development leaders have to push ahead with other initiatives because the phrase ‘a casino is not a cure-all’ is not rhetoric — it’s a fact. This region will need other sources of new jobs and other efforts to spark revitalization efforts in area downtowns. We’re encouraged by the work both Springfield and Holyoke are doing to build opportunities with and around the creative economy, and these must continue and expand. At the same time, the region needs to continue to explore new job-creating opportunities in green energy, the life sciences, and other fields.

• UMass will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2013. It should be a big, year-long party. We’d like to see it capped off with strong movement toward creating a satellite campus in downtown Springfield. Such a facility, perhaps undertaken in conjunction with a casino development, would bring young people and a huge amount of energy to Springfield’s central business district. The timing isn’t good — the state budget situation is getting worse, not better — and there are many other priorities for the state university. But an expanded presence in Springfield would serve both the city and the school, and now might be the time to strike.

• Lastly, we’d like to see more area employers gain the confidence to start hiring again. There are many reasons why most people in business believe we’re still in a recession (even though technically we are not), but the jobless nature of whatever recovery we’re seen is the primary culprit. With more people working, spending should increase, and businesses across every sector would benefit. It’s all a matter of confidence, and we hope that, in the year ahead, this region can find some.

Opinion

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Opinion
Collaborative Model Spurs Redevelopment



From historic mill buildings stretched along our rivers to vacant properties in our downtown centers, Massachusetts is home to challenging brownfields in need of critical redevelopment. Through our combined experiences working with local officials and promoting economic development, we are committed to revitalizing these contaminated sites to increase housing, business growth, and job creation across the Commonwealth.
Through a collaborative model known as the Brownfields Support Team (BST) Initiative, we are targeting brownfields cleanup and partnering with municipalities to transform once-stalled, blighted parcels into prime development opportunities. We are experiencing tremendous results, including an improved environment and regional economic growth.
First launched in 2008, the BST has coordinated 24 state, local, and federal agencies over the last several years to tackle some of the state’s most complex brownfields. By working closely with key stakeholders, including our partners in the state Legislature, we have delivered more than $18 million in funding to accelerate cleanup, streamline processes to overcome technical roadblocks, and reuse more than 300 acres of valuable property for community and economic development.
We have made great strides in each BST community thanks to the hard work and dedication of municipal leaders, including Mayor Domenic Sarno in Springfield and Mayor Michael Bissonnette in Chicopee. For example, Springfield’s Indian Orchard Park, consisting of 54 acres, was approved by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority to use 12 acres for a 2.2-megawatt solar-power-generating facility. The success of this collaborative approach in redeveloping the site was recognized at the Brownfields 2011 Conference Transaction Forum in Philadelphia.
In neighboring Chicopee, the former Facemate Property was designated in the second round of the BST. Since 2010, we have worked with the city to demolish unused property and help pave the way for mixed-use redevelopment. Construction began on the first phase of the new complex — now known as RiverMills at Chicopee Falls — earlier this year to create a 21,000-square-foot senior center.
Similar success is underway in other BST communities, including Worcester, Grafton, Fall River, and Haverhill, each designated in the first round of the BST initiative, and Gardner, Attleboro, Somerville, and Chelmsford, designated in the second round. We have also collaborated with the city of Brockton to assess a list of sites in need of redevelopment.
In both our leadership roles, we often hear about the need to balance environmental protection with economic development. Fortunately, these are not mutually exclusive goals. By increasing collaboration across state agencies and working with stakeholders, we have made brownfields reclamation a priority for the Patrick-Murray administration and the Commonwealth.
With local, state, and federal government working together, once-blighted and contaminated parcels are becoming launching pads for community renewal and business growth.
Massachusetts has been recognized nationally for the success of the BST model. Most recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency noted our strategy in redeveloping complex brownfields sites and awarded $6.75 million to Massachusetts.
This federal funding is a testament to the effective approach we are using in our communities, and we are extending the BST strategy to more cities and towns across Massachusetts. During Brownfields Month in November, sites in Ludlow, Fitchburg, Boston, Amesbury, and New Bedford were designated in the latest round of the BST Initiative.
We look forward to engaging more communities to transform brownfields into development-ready parcels and spur housing and job creation. With this strategy, we will continue to promote this partnership to help deliver long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability in Western Mass. and beyond.

Timothy P. Murray is lieutenant governor of Massachusetts. He launched the Brownfields Support Team Initiative in 2008 with Gov. Deval Patrick. Marty Jones is president and CEO of MassDevelopment, a key member of the Brownfields Support Team and administrator of the Commonwealth’s Brownfields Redevelopment Fund.

Building Permits

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Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Dan Swiecanski

662 Silver St.

$20,000 — New HVAC exterior pad

 

L&T Spry, LLC

665-667 Springfield St.

$10,000 — Interior renovations

 

Marcell Sanders

79 Springfield St.

$15,000 — Interior renovations

 

N.C. Industries

30 General Abrams Dr.

$12,000 — Renovations in men’s and women’s rooms

 

AMHERST

 

Amherst College

79 S. Pleasant St.

$5,493,000 — Renovations and addition to structure to accommodate staff

 

Hampshire College

Farm Center

$17,200 — Re-roof

 

Messer Investments Inc.

90 Gatehouse Road

$17,500 — Ramp for handicap access and laundry addition

 

CHICOPEE

 

Bernashe Realty

1783 Memorial Dr.

$8,000 — Strip and re-roof

 

Roman Catholic Bishop

110 Cyman Dr.

$5,200 — Above ground pool

 

Twin Oaks

104 Johnson Road

$19,000 — Strip and re-roof

 

GREENFIELD

 

David Manning

38 Butternut St.

$111,000 — Pre-engineered cold storage accessory structure

 

Greenfield Corporate Center

101 Munson St.

$44,000 — Renovate Suite 104 for Vertus Investment Partners

 

James Renaud

239 Main St.

$2,500 — Frame walk-in cooler

 

Mark Sirum

10 Park St.

$30,000 — Renovations

 

Mary E. Calagione

285 High St.

$6,200 — Change existing bay window to new

 

Simon Cohen

48 Federal St.

$8,000 — Construct reception area

 

Summit Distributing, LLC

109 Mohawk TL

$7,500 — Install counter and soda coolers

 

Welden Associates

54 High St.

$26,000 — Repair fire damage

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

South Hadley Senior Center

45 Dayton St.

$138,000 — Sheet metal work

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Chapin Corner, LLC

401 Dickinson St.

$2,000 — Renovation for bathroom

 

Marriot

1414 Main St.

$331,000 — New roof

 

Orchard Covenant Church

95 Berkshire St.

$15,000 — Installation of two exterior doors

 

WESTFIELD

 

Walter Drenan

89 South Maple St.

$84,000 — Handicap ramp

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

110 Elm Street, LLC

110 Elm St.

$170,000 — Interior renovation of first floor

 

Century Investments

235A Memorial Ave.

$11,500 — Dividing wall creating two retail spaces

 

NGL Wholesale Supply

1275 Union St.

$30,000 — Exterior renovations

 

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Abdou, David G.

Abdou, Andrea G.

322 Lyon St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Acevedo, Santos

59 St. Lawrence Ave.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/01/11

 

Agure, Donna

34 Craig Dr., Apt. E 5

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Arpin, Cindy

6 Farragut St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

B&B Landscaping and Excavating

Piccolo, Robert J.

260 East Center St.

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Bak, Bruno M.

Bak, Patricia A.

95 Forest St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/04/11

 

BDF Property Improvements

Forgue, Jason R.

23 Bromley Road

Chester, MA 01011

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Beamon, Tracy

37 Border St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/11/11

 

Benedetti, Sherri

Benedetti, Michael

180 Green River Road

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/05/11

 

Bessette, Kristen M.

a/k/a Jaskulski, Kristen M.

53 James St.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Bistro 186

Pioneer Tax & Business Services

Hampshire Financial

Lowney, Robert B.

P.O. Box 265

Hatfield, MA 01038

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/03/11

 

Butler, William D.

Butler, Deborah A.

95 Westwood Dr.

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Camp, Patrick W.

23 Windsor St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/07/11

 

Carter, Glenn T.

Carter, Constance A.

363 Bullard Road

Oakham, MA 01068

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Champaca Journeys

Leupold, John Eric

35 New South St., #201

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Colon, Carole A.

a/k/a Hall, Carole A.

5 Bellwood Road

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Cook, Thomas B.

18-20 O’Connor Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Corbett, Elizabeth M.

189 Springfield Road

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Cosme, Marianne Nina

15 William St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

Cote, Gail P.

310 Stafford St., #151

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Crow, Karen A.

a/k/a Moorehouse, Karen

3 Jeane Dr.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Cruz, Edith

100 Division St., Apt. 802

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Cruzado-Vila, Concepcion

938 St. James Ave.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Delgado, Mark A.

494 School St. #303.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Dessources, Marie Kettelyne

616 Armory St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

DH Enterprises

Hescock, Danny L.

11 Oak St.

Gill, MA 01354

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Diaz, Luis A.

15 Morris St. 1st Fl.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Donnachie, Stephen M.

Donnachie, Diane

44 River Road

Worthington, MA 01098

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Dyl, Stanley A.

350 Meadow St. #69

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

Elser, David M.

35 Glenwood Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Etheridge, David R.

59 Sylvester St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Fernandes, Roberto

21 Jackson St., #2

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Fontaine, Paul L.

873 Springfield St., Apt#7

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Fontanez, Gilrolanel

500 Hancock St., Apt G

Springfield, MA 01105

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Forgue, Katharine M.

23 Bromley Road

Huntington, MA 01050

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Fortier, David L.

90 Main St., Apt. C

Northfield, MA 01360

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Gaspari, Alexander

Gaspari, Fay A.

66 Kon Tiki Circle

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/03/11

 

Gonzalez, Katrina Maria

331 Cold Spring Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/05/11

 

Goodwin, Roy J.

75 Birch St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

Griswold, Corinna M.

P.O. Box 514

Haydenville, MA 01039

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Griswold, Jr., Ronald J.

Griswold, Emmanouilla

106 Fenton Road

Monson, MA 01057

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Harper, Phillip V.

Harper, Jane V.

15 Webbs Ct.

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/11/11

 

Harris, Diane Mary

PO Box 557

Pittsfield, MA 01202

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Hart, Laurie A.

19 Greenwood Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Hilson, Arthur L.

Hilson, Cynthia L.

a/k/a Noyes, Cynthia

a/k/a Gonzalez, Cynthia L.

275 Gresham St.

Springfield, MA 01119-1469

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Hopkins, Marla Jean

30 High St.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Hoynoski, Tina E.

62 Union St., Apt. 1

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Hurst, Jeffrey R.

180 Cherokee Dr.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Jopson, Mildred P.

41 Chestnut St.

Apt. 514

Holyoke, MA 01040-4631

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Jurkowski, Kilean P.

90 Easthampton St.

Westhampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Jurkowski, Nicole L.M.

60 Pleasant St., Apt. A

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Kabaniec, Cynthia A.

P.O. Box 1008

Ashfield, MA 01330

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/05/11

 

Kirkpatrick, Mark D.

40 Spruce St.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Krause-Cote, Marie

22 Canal St.

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/07/11

 

Laporte, Marta B.

34 Schley St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Lauziere, Elizabeth E.

767 Beacon Circle

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Lefebvre, Brian K.

Lefebvre, Cathleen

a/k/a Normand, Cathleen

a/k/a Rios, Cathleen

90 Riverboat Village Road

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Lichtenberger, Lisa M.

1794 White Pond Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

Lizotte, Scott A.

166 West Main St., Apt. 3

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Lombard, John F.

166 West Main St., Apt. 3

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Lusty, William Joseph

430 Old Warren Road

Palmer, MA 01069

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/01/11

 

Martinez, Ramiro

300 Walnut St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/07/11

 

Martinson, Todd J.

22A Main St.

Monson, MA 01057

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Matos, Samuel

587 South Bridge St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

McCutcheon, Eric J.

555 Russell Road, Apt. J61

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

McHugh, Paul E.

519 East River St., Lot 29

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Mejias, Flor M.

Mejias, Rolando

59 David St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Michaels, Katie F.

a/k/a Colby, Katie F.

113 Brewster St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/01/11

 

Napravnick, Gina

18 Kent Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Nardin, Rosalie M.

P.O. Box 419

Stockbridge, MA 01262

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Narvaez, Carmen M.

a/k/a Melendez, Carmen

43 Portland St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Nelson, Dianna L.

109 Marten St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Nelson, Michael A.

76 Hazen St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Noga, Peter E.

Noga, Erica L.

18 Laurel Road

Huntington, MA 01050

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

O’Soro, Michael David

O’Soro, Noreen Bellmore

75 Strong Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/03/11

 

Paro, Tina M.

Brown, Diana L.

103 Doverbrook Road

Chicopee, MA 01022

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/07/11

 

Patenaude, Charles Raymond

Haire, Teresa Catherine

60 Purinton Road

Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Peich, Milan P.

116 North Ridge Road

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Pichierri, Randall Vincent

10 Chamberlain Hill Road

Barre, MA 01005

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/09/11

 

Rivadeneira, Carlos

15 Kelleher Dr.

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Smith, Craig A.

64 Whitney St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Smith, Melissa A.

15 James St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Snow, Jonathan K.

25 Norman Circle

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Spooner, William A.

118 Eagleville Road

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Stec, Elizabeth M.

52 Casino Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Surprenant, Louise A.

42 Roberta Circle

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/15/11

 

Theodorakis, Nickolas H.

71 Larchley Ave.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Torres, Magda

66 Pine St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/08/11

 

Vittorino, Jo Ann

190 Rolling Green Dr.

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Wegrzyn, Paul A.

Wegrzyn, Cassandra A.

PO Box 383

Chicopee, MA 01021

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/14/11

 

Widelo, John W.

157 West Main St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

 

Williams, Daniel Christopher

21 Riverside Dr.

Florence, MA 01062

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 11/02/11

 

Wilson, James E.

Wilson, Annmarie R.

54 Chester St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 11/10/11

 

Yerrick, Kevin M.

49 Velma Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/11

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Heating & Cooling

60 River Road

Thomas Petrowicz

 

JR Restoration & Wood Refinish

28 Moore St.

James Retzler

 

Longo East Carpet Cleaning

80 Ramah Circle

Karen Placzek

 

Nanny’s Home Day Care

67 Monroe St.

Choan Hermans

 

AMHERST

 

Acceleration Promotion

640 Main St.

Michael Rodriguez

 

College Pizza

150 Fearing St.

Hasan Carmak

 

CHICOPEE

 

American Home Energy Rates

165 Front St.

John J. Kosak

 

Fiona’s Spa

1888 Memorial Dr.

Jin F. Deng

 

Giovanni’s Pizza

1085 Memorial Dr.

Turgit Aydin

 

H20 Air Solutions

63 ½ Main St.

Roberta Morreale

 

Pinho Enterprises, LLC

60 Dwight St.

Delaney Fernandez

 

Vapors Prophecy

83 Edgewood Ave.

Natasha Gauthier

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Acres Coin-Op

84 Colony Dr.

Michael A. Jarry

 

Horizon Investment Management Group

10 Crane Ave.

Ronald J. Briggs

 

Peter Gray

6 Redin Lane

Peter A. Gray

 

Tom Kopyto Music

80 Denslow Road

Tom Kopyto

 

GREENFIELD

 

Alternative Merchant Solutions

13 Cedar St.

John Michelson

 

Better Home & Gardens Real Estate

525 Bernardston Road

James J. Fleming

 

Hair It Is

258 Main St.

Wendi Rose

 

Optimize Construction

22 King Road

Kim Stone

 

Valley Mart

4 Mill St.

Muhammad Yasin

 

HOLYOKE

 

Highland Antiques

7 Cray Ave.

Larry Fishbein

 

Incredible Toys

50 Holyoke St.

Mahmut Alkan

 

Rohan’s News

646 High St.

Rajendra Pandit

 

Tony’s Grocery Store

801 High St.

Felix Almonte

 

Tropical Smoothie

50 Holyoke St.

Dave Jalbert

 

LUDLOW

 

T & J Construction

87 Kirkland Ave.

Thomas M. Marshall Jr.

 

Turkish Saucer Club

305 East St.

Ahmet Gtlak

 

PALMER

 

Morrison Construction

65 Springfield St.

John Morrison

 

Palmer Auto Mall

1219 Thorndike St.

George Menard

 

Swift River Sudz

3026 Main St.

Patti D. Fischer

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

7 Eleven

425 Springfield St.

Scott Sphon

 

Better Aire

121 Glenmore St.

Reagan Ali

 

Capital Income Tax

135 Oakland St.

Nathilda Ramirez

 

Catalyst Stage

35 Ardmore St.

Chris Gollnick

 

Certified Auto Glass

1142 State St.

Miguel A. Perez

 

Clean 2 the Max Cleaning

14 Berbay Circle

Juliet M. Maxwell

 

CMJ, LLC

281 State St.

Clinton Mitchell Jr.

 

Cordero Enterprise

546 Worthington St.

Angel Cordero

 

Cruz American Warrior

906 Carew St.

Pedro Cruz

 

Cut Rite Flooring

739 Liberty St.

Jeffrey Joseph

 

D & A Constable Service

1396 Parker St.

Kelly A. Doyle

 

D’Vine Designs

196 Hampshire St.

Jessica Ware

 

Daniele Overhead Doors

4 Ivan St.

John T. Nadeau

 

Economy Landscaping

88 Better Way

Frank J. Silva

 

El Morro Bakery & Restaurant

599 Page Blvd.

Neidy Cruz

 

Fighting Arts Academy

190 Verge St.

Jeremy Libiszewski

 

Gould’s Building & Remodeling

235 Birchland Ave.

Mark S. Gould

 

K & L Exchange

1192 Parker St.

Lien A. Chen

 

WESTFIELD

 

Gregg Konieczny

304 Buck Pond Road

Gregg Konieczny

 

Lisa Wilson Consulting

12 Blueberry Ridge

Lisa Wilson

 

Napa Auto Parts

46 Springfield Road

Michael Wheeler

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Friendly Fuel

75 Union St.

David J. Vickers Jr.

 

Gold’s Gym

1452 Memorial Ave.

Camel Fitness Inc.

 

Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems

19 Norman St.

Justin Carven

 

Potterville Pottery

1702 Riverdale St.

Laura J. Frasco

PictureThis

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]

 

 

Open for Business

Ahost of government, education, and business leaders gathered in Holyoke last month for ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, a project that involves the state, several research institutions (including UMass), and private corporations. Right, Gov. Deval Patrick addresses the more than 200 people in attendance. At left, before the formal ribbon cutting, city high-school students bury a time capsule near the center’s entrance.

 

 

 

Professional Cut

A ceremonial ribbon cutting recently commemorated the opening of the Northampton/I-91 Professional Center in Northampton. The multi-building office park now offers two fully permitted, three-story office buildings adjacent to the existing Clarion Hotel and Conference Center at Exit 18 off Interstate 91. Each building offers approximately 40,000 square feet of tenant space in modern, energy-efficient brick and glass structures. Owned by an experienced group of local investors, the center offers first-class medical and professional office space with first- and second-floor main tenants Clinical and Support Options Inc. (a regional provider of behavioral-health services) and Cooley Dickinson Health Care Group, leaving only 2,500 square feet available on the third floor. Pictured cutting the long ribbon are Lynn Travers, owner and developer; Stephen Murphy, program director of Cooley Dickinson’s Center for Human Motion and the director of Rehab Services; Ken Vincunas (front), general manager; John Lombardi (back), administrative director of facilities at Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz; Curt Shumway, development owner; Craig Melin, CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Susan O’Leary Mulhern and Eileen O’Leary Sullivan, owners; Karin Jeffers, president of Clinical and Support Options; Laurie Lamoureux, controller at Cooley Dickinson; and Kathi Donahue, William Wagner, and Russ Omer of Chicopee Savings Bank.

 

 

Pynchon Winners

The Advertising Club of Western Mass. honored the 2012 recipients of the William Pynchon Award at ceremonies on Nov. 15 at Chez Josef in Agawam. Pictured, from left, are Jillian Gould, president of the Ad Club; 2012 winners Robert Perry, Ellen Freyman, and Stephen Hayes; and Alta Stark, immediate past president of the Ad Club, Pynchon trustee, and governor, AAF District 1.

 


Ready to Read

READ! Reading Success by 4th Grade, an initiative of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, recently welcomed Robert Dugger, managing partner of Hanover Investment Group and an advisory-board co-chair for ReadyNation, a business partnership promoting investments in early education as a foundation for the nation’s economic success, to present a national overview on the importance of investments in young children and their impact on building a sustainable national economy. Also presenting was J.D. Chesloff, deputy director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and board chair of the state’s first-in-the-nation Department of Early Education and Care. The Economic Development Council of Western Mass. (EDC); local chambers of commerce, including Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield; and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County presented the event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Pictured at above are Chesloff (left) and Dugger. Bottom, from left, are Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England; Sally Fuller, Reading Success by 4th Grade program coordinator; and Allan Blair, president and CEO of the EDC.

 







Further with Ford

Marcotte Ford of Holyoke recently hosted hundreds at a large event to showcase its showroom and the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. The event, which was part of a national ‘Go Further with Ford’ night, offered chances for friends and clients to win a new 2013 Fusion, two different trips to American Idol Hollywood, and other prizes. Marcotte Ford donated $10 per person to Kate’s Kitchen for the first 200 registered guests. Standing over the celebratory autographed 2013 Ford Fusion hood, which will be displayed in the showroom are, left to right, Michael Filomeno, general manager; Mike Marcotte, sales manager; Lou Beauregard, parts and service director; and Bryan Marcotte, owner.

 


Trees, Trees, Trees

The 12th annual Festival of Trees launched the day after Thanksgiving and is proving to be a popular family tradition in downtown Springfield. The event, located on the second floor of Tower Square, offers a twinkling roomful of uniquely decorated artificial Christmas trees, adorned with gift cards and other valuable items donated by area businesses and Springfield Boys and Girls Club supporters. The proceeds, through sponsorships, sales of entrance tickets, and raffle tickets to win trees and all their unique décor, will benefit the 119-year old charitable organization that has been providing more than 1,500 children in the community with afterschool, Saturday, and summer youth-development programs. Above, Barbara Kolosowski, director of development, stands next to more than 100 glittering trees. The festival will run until December 9. More information can be found at www.visittreefest.com.

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.

 

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Ann Facchini v. Michael Smith Auto Repair a/k/a Autosmith

Allegation: Defendant breached a contract by installing a defective engine in the plaintiff’s vehicle: $3,000+

Filed: 10/31/12

 

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Catherine Kilgallen v. PNC Bank, N.A.

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $237,700.65

Filed: 11/7/12

 

John Aucoin v. First Light Power Resources Inc.

Allegation: Negligent operation and maintenance of facility to ensure safety of workers: $102,546.78

Filed: 9/14/12

 

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Commerce and Industry Insurance Co. v. Pioneer Supply Corp.

Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $11,521

Filed: 10/23/12

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Gladys Hatidani v. Amy N. Azza, 4U Direct Inc., d/b/a National Home Lending Center, Fieldstone Mortgage Co., and Paul Hatidani

Allegation: Plaintiff states that signature was forged on mortgage documents: $300,000

Filed: 10/23/12

 

Nery A. Bernal, d/b/a Bartlett Street Associates v. Underwriters at Lloyd’s London, by and through New England Excess Exchange, LTD and FSC Insurance Agency, Inc.

Allegation:  Breach of insurance contract: $237,055.85

Filed: 10/22/12

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Caryn Markson v. Northampton Cornucopia d/b/a Cornucopia Foods

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $35,063

Filed: 10/30/12

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

City Tire Co. Inc. v. Brandon Kelley Trucking, LLC

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,198.72

Filed: 10/19/12

 

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Brent F. Massey and Kathryn E. Massey v. David Beach d/b/a D & D Remodeling

Allegation: Breach of home-remodeling contract: $35,000

Filed: 10/19/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Marion’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating Inc. v. Maurice Casey Inc.

Allegation: Balance owed for parts and services rendered: $17,186.51

Filed: 10/19/12

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Achatz, Marc D.

Achatz, Kim C.

944 Maple Road

Longmeadow, MA 01106

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/17/12

 

Andrew, Douglas Edward

Andrew, Amy E.

40 Spring St.

Florence, MA 01062

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Arroyo, Elizabeth

176 Eddy St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/12

 

Authier, Richard

Authier, Karen

88 Grandview St.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Bard, Michele M.

a/k/a LaBrie, Michele

45 Enterprise St.

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Berte, Mark A.

33 Rosedale Ave.

Springfield, MA 01128

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Birchall, Richard G.

174 Union St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Bosworth, Robert E.

151 Lamplighter Lane

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Brodeur, Glenn Allen

42 Circle Dr.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Bydlak, Mark

68 Plantation Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Charron, Francis M.

Charron, Cristi A.

16 Walker St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Chevalier, Jason P.

Chevalier, Andrea L.

50 Walker Road

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Cibelli, Michael J.

585 Chapel St., Apt #4

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Coache, Mary Lou

146 Washington Road

Brimfield, MA 01010

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Coughlin, Thomas J.

P.O. Box 1761

Pittsfield, MA 01202

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

Cunningham, Janet L.

5 George St.

Auburn, MA 01501

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Deonarain, David

Deonarain, Chandra

20 Dexter St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Diaz Rodriguez, Maria C.

293 Dwight St.

Springfield, MA 01105

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

DiGrigoli, Seth

DiGrigoli, Heather

16 Brown St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Dix, Gail M.

25 Fuller St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Donovan, Erica M.

a/k/a Cruz, Erica M.

20 Elm St.

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Eastman, Dave C.

24 Loudville Road

Westhampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Eldridge, Randall A.

916 Wauwinet Road

Barre, MA 01005

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/23/12

 

Feliciano, Luis

116-118 Hampden St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/17/12

 

Fisher, Alexandra C.

21 Meadow St.

Hadley, MA 01035

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Fitzpatrick, Randy

20 McKinley Ter.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Fontaine, John A.

15 Maplecrest Circle

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/17/12

 

Forsell, Justin E.

Forsell, Brenda T.

a/k/a Morrissey, Brenda

104 Franklin St.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Franzoni, Ronald J.

Franzoni, Barbara D.

154 East Ave.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Gillett, Christy-Jo

a/k/a Haywood, Christy-Jo

16 Dutchess Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/12

 

Gilliam, James M.

47 Davis St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Giuffre, Steven T.

Giuffre, Robin L.

262 Green Ave.

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Glace, Andrew J.

97 Van Meter Dr.

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/23/12

 

Gonzalez, Margarita

310 Hillside Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Gurland, Jerome S.

235 State St., Apt. 10

Springfield, MA 01103

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

Hardy, Curtis S.

257 Alley Road

Rochester, MA 02770

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Healey, Jonathan D.

Healey, Laura Jean

a/k/a Weeks, Laura J.

9 Birchwood Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Hickey, Francis H.

28 Daniel Shays Highway

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

Higgins, Christine J.

9 Highview Dr.

Plainville, MA 02762

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Hunter, Charles B.

PO Box 1203

Warren, MA 01083

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Hunter, Melissa Rae

35 Wilson St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Jutras, Florence E.

Jutras, John E.

P.O. Box 93

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Kellogg, John J.

Kellogg, Mechelle

50 South St.

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Kolis, Sandra J.

9 Daniels Court

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Lafogg, Lisa

90 Royal St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

Lariviere, Derek D.

12 Ashley St.

Chicope, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

LeBoeuf, Patricia Ann

34 Yankee Drummer Dr.

P.O. Box 903

Warren, MA 01083

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/17/12

 

LeTendre, Normand E.

88 Trafton Road

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Lewis-Schurter, Michael A.

Lewis-Schurter, Megan

182 Pondview Dr.

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Long, Karen D.

Hebron St. 2nd Fl.

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

MacDonald, Donna M.

P.O. Box 444

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/23/12

 

Mansfield, Cheryl D.

a/k/a Defoyd, Cheryl R.

a/k/a Davis, Cheryl R.

41 Lewis St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Marowski, James J.

Marowski, Elaine M.

23 Oakland St.

Palmer, MA 01069

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/23/12

 

Martin, Jesse P.

95 Stafford Road

Wales, MA 01081

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Medina, Sonia A.

a/k/a Forni, Sonia Angela

19A Piedmont St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Mercer, Erica R.

43 Bridge St.

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Moody, Jacqueline C.

59 Druids Lane

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Morgan, Ronald L.

Greene-Morgan, Pattiann

88 Ely St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

O’Brien, Kelly L.

2205 Boston Road, D32

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Orlandi, Gina M.

82 Bow St.

Plainfield, MA 01070

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/30/12

 

Pacheco, Miguel A.

4 Sunset Ave.

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Parziale, Liza Jenny

290 Regency Park Dr.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Pasini, Amy Kathleen

104 Belvidere St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/23/12

 

Patton, Randall J.

Patton, Barbara M.

a/k/a Shannon-Patton, Barbara

45 Dobek Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Prentice, Gary A.

Prentice, Nancy A.

148 Hillside Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Provost, Beverly A.

Danaher Circle

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/31/12

 

Ramos, Antonio P.

369 Shoemaker Lane

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Saben, William J.

Saben, Jeannette M.

70 Mount Pleasant St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Sanders, Dreana Chevon

17 Brunswick St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Sepanek, David

26 Meadow St., Apt. 4

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Sheridan, Kathleen M.

128 Hillcrest Ave.

WestSpringfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

Smith, Wendy Lee

a/k/a Gagnon, Wendy L.

121 North Main St.

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Sonsini, Jason A.

675 Cape St.

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

St. Martin, Chaya

39 Newell St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/24/12

 

Strattner, Gregory P.

Strattner, Diane L.

48 Marla Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Stuart, John W.

Stuart, Maxine E.

2 Alcove Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/17/12

 

Taylor, Shannon P.

13 Mountainview Circle

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Therrien, Matthew

440 Union St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/22/12

 

Thompson, Leo D.

79 Eagle St.

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/18/12

 

Vasilchenko, Michael

6 Sibley Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

 

Vega-Mata, Yoana

52 Breckwood Blvd.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/26/12

 

Vincelette, Eric J.

Vincelette, Keri A

a/k/a Nelson, Keri A.

98 Plunkett St.

Lenox, MA 01240

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/19/12

 

Washington, Vickie D.

P.O. Box 335

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/25/12

 

West, George E.

4109 South Athol Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 10/29/12

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

ATD Precision

261 Garden St.

Edward Dean

 

Partners in Prosperity

7 Forest Hill Dr.

Michael Margiotta

 

Professional Search

156 Suffield St.

Michael L. Gates

 

Ravishing Photography

168 Elm St.

Kimberly Deprey

 

AMHERST

 

Etinde Painting

730 West St.

Dieudonne Etinde

 

Equinox Video

893 West St.

Leslie Mason

 

CHICOPEE

 

Ashley’s Fashions

203 Exchange St.

Victor Davila

 

Herbarium

264 Exchange St.

Kathleen Duffy

 

I-Reversible Fashion Collection

35 North Chicopee St.

Jaswinder S. Khurana

 

Interstate Towing Inc.

1660 Westover Road

Jeremy J. Procon

 

Jewelry by Kat

75 Sheridan St.

Karen Tillman

 

Reinke Enterprises

21 Reed Ave.

Scott A. Rooney

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Black Hat Home Services

29 Pleasant St.

Brian W. Ford II

 

C Mart

668 North Main St.

Abid Akhtar

 

David J. Lieber

112 Hampden Road

David J. Lieber

 

Powder Clean Fitness Inc.

167 Shaker Road

Michael Zolkiewicz

 

GREENFIELD

 

Consumer Auto Parts

63 French King Hwy.

Uni-Select USA Inc.

 

Mohawk Commercial Cleaning

75 Wells St.

Judith A. Weller

 

Nura Mart

142 Mohawk Trail

Masood Ghani

 

SPD Tool, LLC

88 Lovers Lane

Scott F. Conti

 

Val Messer Photography

757 Bernardston Road

Valdirene Messer

 

HOLYOKE

 

Hickory Farms

50 Holyoke St.

James V. O’Neill

 

Paper City Fitness

4 Open Square Way

Katherine O’Donnell

 

Pearl of Light Wellness Center

49 Cherry St.

Rita Fishburn-Gibbs

 

Route 5 Motors

280 Ingleside St.

Steven Vlohiotis

 

Sweet Boutiques & Candy Shop

254 Maple St.

Jennifer Rodriguez

 

LUDLOW

 

The Gomes Agency

364 East St.

Miguel Gomes

 

The Shop Unique Techniques

409 East West St.

Geoffrey Jerome

 

PALMER

 

Belmont Driving School

1409 Main St.

Michael O’Rourke

 

J. E.M. Services

58 Quaboag Valley Co-Op St.

Jerry E. Mange Jr.

 

Ken’s Auto Repair

1316 South Main St.

Kenneth P. Dubord

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

La Dolche Candy Station

89 Randolph St.

Tracey D. Gary

 

Longonot Transportation

49 Bissell Ave.

Isaac Teresia

 

Margie’s Wedding Shop

659 South Branch Pkwy.

Margaree C. Robinson

 

Nguyen Roofing

88 Commonwealth Ave.

Darren V. Nguyen

 

O’Brien Construction

354 White St.

Kevin O’Brien

 

People Resources

36 Sylvan St.

Bryant Irby

 

Project Legacy USA, LLC

686 Plumtree Road

Christopher Michael

 

Punta Cana Restaurant

137 Chestnut St.

Maria Portorreal

 

Rafa Transportation, LLC

118 Gilbert Ave.

Rafael B. Mkanga

 

Rijo Enterprises

1072 State St.

Jose M. Rijo

 

Sandy’s

176 Main St.

Sandra Callirgos

 

Sensational Solutions

45 Bacon Road

Margo Jergensen

 

Slaughter Estates

45 Bloomfield St.

Seneca Slaughter

 

Sowers of Truthful Inspiration

38 Freeman Ter.

Kevin A. Green

 

T-Mobile Northeast, LLC

615 Belmont Ave.

Harvey Woodford

 

Team Northeast

93 Duryea St.

Wicked Cool

 

Tidy Up Cleaning Services

178 Main St.

Sarah P. Levesque

 

V Nails & Spa, LLC

368 Cooley St.

Vy Lefebvre

 

Wraps-N-Wings

1365 Main St.

Garfield S. Weston

 

Zas Enterprise Inc.

910 State St.

Mohammed Z. Islam

 

Saisha Inc.

649 Main St.

Shahid R. Ghuman

 

WESTFIELD

 

Extreme Consulting Inc.

9 Colony Crest

Paul P. Tobias

 

North American Restoration

40 Franklin St.

Harland C. Avezzie

 

U30 Cat & Small Dog Wellness Center

69 Southwick Road

William J. Faircloth

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Dustworthy Cleaning Service

869 Dewey St.

Kyle A. Pratson

 

Fastsigns, Inc.

777 Riverdale St.

Multi Signs Inc.

 

Hathorn Associates

42 Old Barn Road

Joyce A. Bannick

Editorial

By
Opinion
A Powerful Show of Unity on Literacy

 

“Reading is the cornerstone of academic success. In fact, educators attest that, until third grade, a child learns to read. After third grade, a child reads to learn. Further, a child who enters fourth grade unable to read proficiently is far less likely to graduate from high school, become an effective citizen, and develop the skills essential for contributing to the 21st-century economy.”

This was the first paragraph of a case statement, or proposal, for the establishment of something called the Funder Collaborative for Reading Success, a document, inked more than a year ago, that apparently got its points across in a meaningful way.

That’s because more than a dozen organizations are now standing together in this ambitious endeavor, having donated close to $1.5 million between them in the all-important fight to make young people in this region more proficient at reading by the time they reach the fourth grade.

And a few months ago, some of this money was put to work, with three grants, totaling nearly $325,000, awarded to five early-literacy and learning programs. These include the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and its Links to Literacy and Learning program; the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative through the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County; the Springfield Collaboration for Change and its Home-School Family Literacy Project; Square One and its summer and after-school enrichment programs; and the Springfield College AmeriCorps Student Success Corps program.

It’s far too early to attempt to quantify and qualify the payback from these grants, but it’s certainly not too early to say that this is money extremely well-spent, because, as we’ve said many times, perhaps the biggest issue involved with mitigating the cripplingly high levels of poverty in this region is education, and, more specifically, childhood literacy.

Meanwhile, the Funder Collaborative has, by all indications, become an innovative and highly inspirational method to address some of the larger societal issues facing this region, one that can and should be borrowed for matters ranging from workforce development to combating racism.

But let’s back up a minute.

The Funder Collaborative was launched in early 2011 when the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, which has long been a strong advocate for early-childhood education and a driving force behind the Read! Reading Success by the Fourth Grade initiative, decided that this fight was too big for it to tackle alone.

So it asked a number of area foundations and major employers to join the fight. One of the first to join was the SIS Fund, a charitable foundation left over from the bank formerly known as Springfield Institution for Savings. The list of funders now also includes the Berkshire Bank Foundation, Babson Capital Management LLC, Baystate Health, the Beveridge Family Foundation, the Community Foundation of Western Mass., Hampden Bank, MassMutual, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Peoples United Bank Foundation, the TD Charitable Foundation, and the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

The prevailing theory behind creation of the collaborative is that, by working together on this one issue, these groups could accomplish much more than a single entity or a few organizations moving in different directions — and we believe that thinking is sound.

And there is no more important issue facing this region at this time than reading proficiency among young people. Currently, fewer than 40% of Springfield’s children read at grade level by the end of the third grade. Unless those numbers improve substantially in the years to come, the cycle of poverty that has strangled the city will continue, and the strong workforce needed to take on the jobs in today’s knowledge-based economy will fail to materialize.

The programs funded with the first round of grants are designed to introduce children to books, continue the learning process throughout the year, and, in essence, make students fully able to read to learn.

The Funders Collaborative is really just getting started, but it’s certainly not too early to call this an unqualified success story — on many levels.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Electronic Health Records Bring Change

Implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) is bringing a cultural change to daily medical practice operations in the Bay State. The National Center for Health Statistics estimates that 71.2% of Massachusetts office-based physician practices used some kind of EHR in 2011.

For practices that haven’t adopted EHR technology yet, the time is now. EHRs are important for enhancing patient care delivery and collaborating in accountable-care organizations (ACOs) or integrated care networks. In order to adopt EHRs effectively, practices should be aware of several points essential for success.

Evaluate Information Use and Flow: EHR implementation can disrupt a well-functioning system. Before adopting a new system, a practice should evaluate its own existing care system and consider the following questions: What systems are already in place? How is information recorded and exchanged? Who needs what kinds of information? Where do they use it? Once equipped with those answers, practices should be prepared to take the next step.

Find a Compatible EHR: Several key considerations must be made when choosing an EHR, including flexibility, user-friendliness, mobility, and transition support. Flexibility must account for customization of the system, mobility is necessary for sharing patient information throughout the care setting, and transition support ensures a smooth integration of the EHR into the practice’s workflow.

Institute Team-wide Acceptance: Most importantly, groups should ensure that the workplace dynamic is maintained throughout EHR implementation. Teamwork should not suffer at the hands of technological innovation. Therefore, it is paramount that the system sustains the work environment.

EHR use will benefit patients and practices alike. Streamlined data will allow for streamlined care. Not only can patient care be enhanced through EHRs, but practice-wide improvements in communication, productivity, and data utilization can occur as well.

For assistance with EHR implementation or general practice issues, contact the Mass. Medical Society’s Physician Practice Resource Center at (781) 434-7702 or [email protected]. v

 

Leif Brierley writes about medical-practice issues for Vital Signs, a publication of the Mass. Medical Society. The MMS is the statewide professional association for physicians and medical students, representing more than 24,000 members statewide. The MMS is also a leader in continuing medical education for healthcare professionals throughout Massachusetts, conducting a variety of medical-education programs for physicians and healthcare professionals.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Union Station Work Officially Underway

SPRINGFIELD — The long-awaited transformation of Springfield’s historic Union Station into the region’s main transportation hub officially got underway Nov. 20 at a ceremonial demolition held at the Frank B. Murray Street site. Mayor Domenic Sarno, along with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Gov. Deval Patrick, and other officials wielding sledgehammers, participated in the event. It signaled the start of demolition of the former baggage-handling building and will pave the way for construction of a 24-bay bus terminal with structured parking above it — the first steps toward reactivating the long-vacant downtown station. “Today represents the start of an important project that will benefit virtually everyone in Western Mass. It’s an exciting day for the Pioneer Valley,” said Sarno. Added Neal, “the successful renovation of Union Station has been a priority of mine for more than 30 years. I have always believed the restoration of this iconic Springfield landmark had the ability to transform the north blocks of downtown. And it will bring a world-class transportation center to the region in the process.” Other specific work to be completed as part of a $48.7 million Phase 1 project, designed by HDR Architecture Inc., includes the restoration of the main terminal building as a passenger center. The first floor will include operations, ticketing, and waiting space for the transit-service providers, as well as transit-related retail. Also, the passenger tunnel will be reopened and restored, linking the terminal building to rail-boarding platforms and pedestrian access to the downtown. When completed, this initial phase will provide connections for the continuation and expansion of services, including local, regional, and intercity buses; Amtrak, commuter, and high-speed passenger rail; and other ground-transportation services. The second phase of the project will emphasize the remaining development of additional transit-related restaurant and retail uses on the first floor and transit-related commercial space primarily on the terminal building’s upper floors, and will expand the new transit center’s parking capabilities. Sarno thanked Neal for his steadfast support of this regionally significant transportation project and for helping the city bring it to this point. “Recognizing that the station’s redevelopment is crucial to the continued revitalization of the city of Springfield, our goal is to transform this property into a sustainable transportation facility, positioning us to better meet the travel needs of the Pioneer Valley in the short and long term,” added Sarno. He also thanked Patrick “for making Union Station a top priority of his administration,” and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for working in partnership with the city. “Through this cooperation and with funding support from the state, we have achieved tremendous progress as we’ve worked with the Federal Transit Administration to advance this vital project,” Sarno said. Funding for the Union Station project has been assembled from a number of federal, state, and local sources. In July, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was in Springfield to announce the award of a $17.6 million federal Bus Livability grant for the project. The project is scheduled to be completed and operational by 2015.

 

Officials Laud Completion of High Performance Computing Center

HOLYOKE — Gov. Deval Patrick headed a list of academic, political, and business leaders who gathered in Holyoke on Nov. 16 to officially mark the completion of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center built in the center of this historic industrial city. More than 200 people gathered for the event, which capped more than three years of planning and construction of the facility, which was hailed by several of the day’s speakers as a unique and highly effective collaboration involving higher education, private business, and government. The facility, which carried a price tag approaching $90 million, is a data center dedicated to supporting the growing research computing needs of five of the most research-intensive universities in Massachusetts: Boston University, Harvard University, MIT, Northeastern University, and UMass. The project was funded by those five schools, as well as additional partners Cisco and EMC, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the federal New Markets Tax Credit program. In addition to Patrick, other officials to speak at the program and ribbon-cutting included Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse; Susan Hockfield, president emerita at MIT; Jeff Nick, senior vice president and chief technology officer at EMC Corp.; Larry Payne, vice president, Public Sector, Cisco Systems; Lt. Gov. Tim Murray; and Robert Caret, president of UMass.

 

Nominations Sought for Difference Makers

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine will accept nominations for its Difference Makers Class of 2013 until Dec. 30. Difference Makers is a recognition program, started in 2008, that honors individuals and groups that are making an impact in the community and improving overall quality of life in the region. The Difference Makers Class of 2012 consisted of: Charlie and Donald D’Amour, president/COO and chairman/CEO, respectively, of Big Y Foods; William Messner, president of Holyoke Community College; Majors Tom and Linda Jo Perks, officers with the Springfield Corps of the Salvation Army; Bob Schwarz, executive vice president of Peter Pan Bus Lines; and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. A nomination form is available online at www.businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form.

 

Baystate Working to Reduce Pre-term Births

SPRINGFIELD — The report card is in on premature births, and the grades are far from glowing. The March of Dimes released its 2012 Premature Birth Report Card in November, and while the U.S. pre-term birth rate dropped for the fifth consecutive year in 2011 to 11.7% — the lowest in a decade — the country still earned a disappointing ‘C’ grade. The March of Dimes grades states by comparing their rate of premature births to their 2020 goal of 9.6%. Three states and Puerto Rico earned an ‘F,’ and only four states — Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont — were graded an ‘A.’ Twenty-two states, including Massachusetts, received a ‘B’ grade and are one step away from achieving the goal. Still, “we still have a long way to go,” said Dr. Glenn Markenson, chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Baystate Medical Center. More than 500,000 infants are born prematurely in the U.S. each year, and about 10% of all deliveries are scheduled before 39 weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Furthermore, a recent study by the Leapfrog Group, a hospital-quality watchdog, shows that U.S. hospitals vary widely in their rates of elective pre-term deliveries, ranging from less than 5% to more than 40%. “Early deliveries should only be an option for medical reasons, when the life or health of mother or baby is in jeopardy,” said Markenson. Under his leadership, Baystate Medical Center has been working to establish strong guidelines to prevent unnecessary pre-term deliveries by induction or cesarean section, and last year the hospital instituted a ‘hard stop’ for any non-medically required elective delivery prior to 39 weeks, and all elective inductions in first-time mothers. Markenson said the practice of elective pre-term birth finally caught many healthcare-quality officials’ attention when more and more studies began to be published showing its potential harm, including a recent March of Dimes report showing that babies born in the 37th or 38th week have a higher risk of dying in their first year than a baby born after 39 weeks. In addition to working with other Massachusetts hospitals to help the state achieve an ‘A’ grade in the March of Dimes rankings, Baystate is helping lead a statewide initiative called the Massachusetts Perinatal Quality Collaborative.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Square One Impacted by Gas Explosion

SPRINGFIELD — After the June 1, 2011 tornado wiped out their childcare and administrative offices in the south end of Springfield, Square One, a nonprofit childcare organization with facilities in Springfield and Holyoke, is now starting from square one again since the Nov. 23 late-afternoon gas explosion on Worthington Street severely affected the childcare space that the organization leased. Luckily, no one was in the space due to the holiday, but if it had been a typical Friday, about 100 children and 30 staff members would have been at risk. The site at 155 Chestnut St. is now condemned, forcing Square One officials to quickly find alternate childcare locations for 55 of the 100 children that were enrolled at that location and cannot be placed in Square One programs due to space. Since the explosion, Square One officials have been reaching out to all other providers in the community to identify what programming spaces for various age groups are available, and to walk parents through the relocation process. “We have people coming in every morning saying, ‘I have to go to work,’ ‘I have to go to school,’ ‘I need childcare now,’ and they do,” said Kim Lee, vice president of advancement. Other area nonprofits, including the YMCA on Chestnut Street, have offered some temporary space to Square One. “Our mission right now is to serve the children and their parents,” Lee said, “and if it means helping those families to find quality programming in another provider’s program, then that’s what we have to do.” The company still owns 947 Main Street, which was hit by the tornado, but it will have to be demolished and rebuilt. Lee said Square One is looking for temporary space near that original South End location, but nobody wants to sell or rent to them because everybody is holding out for the possibility of an MGM casino. “But if we do finally relocate there and the casino comes, we’ll be right I the middle of it all.” Childcare officials will continue to discuss short-term options and long-term opportunities.

 

Greenfield Big Y Completes Upgrades

SPRINGFIELD — As the last of many major remodeling efforts this past year, Big Y Foods Inc. announced the completion of the renovation of its Greenfield Big Y World Class Market at 237 Mohawk Trail, Route 2. Big Y has been a part of the Greenfield community since it opened its first store in 1987. In 2002, the company moved across the street to its current location. This past effort began in March and includes upgrades in every department, including new equipment and fixtures, new paint inside and out, as well as a new floor. All of the store’s fresh-foods departments had the most significant changes, including meals to go, delicatessen, seafood, bakery, produce, floral, and meat. There are also new gluten-free products as well as many more Latino offerings and additional locally produced wine and beers within the market. Lastly, the store has added some new, smaller-sized grocery carts for quick shopping trips. Ed Williams, store director in Greenfield, has 32 years of supermarket experience with Big Y. During his early years in the supermarket business, he worked in various department positions throughout the store. In 1989, Williams became a store director, managing stores in Northampton, Palmer, Greenfield, Chicopee, Southwick, Southampton, Springfield, and South Hadley. He moved back to this location last January. As part of the grand reopening celebration, Newton School, Math & Science Academy, Poet Seat Therapeutic Day Program, Greenfield Middle School, Greenfield High School, Discovery School at Four Corners, Academy of Early Learning, Federal Street School, 8th Grade Academy, Greenfield Center School, Eagle Mountain School, Cornerstone Christian School, and Stoneleigh Burnham School will each receive a donation of 500,000 Education Express Points toward free equipment and supplies for their schools. Big Y’s Education Express program has helped more than 2,000 local schools earn more than $13 million in free educational, sports, and electronic equipment since its inception.

 

Insurance Center Partners with Link to Libraries

AGAWAM — The Insurance Center of New England has become the latest area company to partner with the nonprofit group Link to Libraries in its Business Book Link Project. ICNE is sponsoring the Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School. Link to Libraries, in collaboration with the Insurance Center, will donate 200 new books each year for a three-year period as part of the Business Book Link Project, which has the twin goals of stocking school library shelves and getting students excited about reading. For more information on Link to Libraries, call (413) 224 1031 or visit www.linktolibraries.org.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• Dec. 5: December Business@Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield. The monthly Business@Breakfast series pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that reflect honor on the region. To make reservations, visit www.myonlinechamber.com, e-mail Cecile Larose at [email protected], or fax a reservation to 755-1322.

 

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce

www.amherstarea.com

413-253-0700

• Dec. 19: After Five/Holiday Party, hosted by PeoplesBank, 56 Amity St., Amherst. Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

 

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• Dec. 6: Holiday Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, 264 Exchange St., Chicopee. Free admission for all chamber members. RSVP to [email protected].

• Dec. 19: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

• Dec. 21: Annual Holiday Breakfast,  7:30-9 a.m., Deerfield Academy. The Citizen of the Year Award will be presented. Sponsored by the Recorder. Gifts for all, music by Gary Maynard and Friends. Cost: $24 for members, $25 for non-members.

 

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• Dec. 13: Holiday Dinner Dance, 6-11 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. An evening of friends and holiday spirit including the big raffle with a $5,000 drawing, butler-style hors d’ouevres, multi-station entrees, Viennese dessert table, cash martini and full-service bar. Music provided by Michael J. Productions. Cost: $50 per person inclusive; group reservations available.

 

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

• Dec. 12: Holiday Business Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Health New England. Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet while listening to the Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir fill the air with holiday spirit. Door prizes. Hat and glove drive; bring warm hats and gloves for homeless and needy men, women, and children. Tables reserved for groups of eight people. Call the Chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Dec. 19: Holiday Chamber After Hours, sponsored and hosted by the Delaney House. In addition to door prizes and a 50/50 raffle, the business networking event will also include a lottery ticket tree raffle. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

Northampton Area Young Professional Society

www.thenayp.com

(413) 584-1900

• Dec. 13: December Social, 5 p.m., hosted by Thornes Marketplace, 2nd Floor, 150 Main St., Northampton. Featured nonprofit: Highland Valley Elder Services Inc.

 

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

• Dec. 5: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Don Muller Gallery, 40 Main St., Northampton. Sponsored by Florence Savings Bank. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends.

• Dec. 18: December Meet & Eat, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Learn from your colleagues at breakfast with the chamber. Cost: $15 for members. For more information, contact Jenna at the Chamber, (413) 584-1900, or e-mail [email protected].

 

West of the River Chamber of Commerce

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• Dec. 5: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Squires Bistro at Coopers Commons, 159 Main St., Agawam. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, which bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• Dec. 14: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Holiday Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by Tuckers Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. Sponsors: Westfield Bank, Gold Sponsor; First Niagara Bank, Silver Sponsor; Met Life, Bronze Sponsor. Guest speaker: Alan Popp, CEO of Colony Care. Performance by Westfield High School Show Choir. Cost: $25 for members, $30 cash for non-members. Donations of non-perishable food items or money are being accepted for the Westfield Food Pantry. For more information, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].

 

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield

www.springfieldyps.com

• Dec. 20: Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at the Barney Estate at Forest Park. Event includes a complementary drive through Bright Nights, and is sponsored by the spirit of Springfield and Elegant Affairs. For more details, visit www.springfieldyps.com.

Editorial

By
Opinion
Holyoke’s Time Is Now

 

While much of the attention locally has been fixed on the issue of a Western Mass. casino, where it will go, when, and with what impact, there is an intriguing story being written just a few miles up I-91 from Springfield in Holyoke.

It’s not complete yet — in fact, it’s just getting started — but some of the chapters in progress are enough to warrant optimism in a city that has a rich industrial history but a turbulent recent past and status as one of the poorest communities in the Commonwealth.

As the story on page 44 reveals, there is considerable momentum building in what’s known as the Paper City, and there may be some important lessons here for those communities that don’t wind up with a casino — and even for those that do.

Holyoke is rebuilding itself the old-fashioned way, if you will, going one block, sometimes one building, at a time, using the creative economy as a way to create vibrancy and interest, and building a reputation as a place where technology and green-energy-related businesses can take hold.

As we said at the top, there is a long way to go in this, the nation’s first planned industrial city, but the signs of a strong comeback are there, and the elements for continued progress are in place or in the works.

Start with stories like Steve Porter’s. He was working and living in New York, and looking to take a traveling DJ business and expand it into a video-production venture. Real estate in New York was well out of his reach, so he started looking for another setting in which to set up shop. He found an oddly shaped building in a former textile complex known colloquially, and within Porterhouse Media, as the ‘wedge.’ Not much to look at on the outside, the building has become home to cutting-edge studios and offices with tight corners and unique square footage.

In many ways, Porter and his building represent the essence of the emerging Holyoke story — a small business finding a good home in a piece of property that many people wouldn’t bother to look at. It’s a story that could be replicated dozens of times, and that’s the simple message that Porter wants to leave with anyone who hears of how he came to Holyoke.

As he retells it, it wasn’t simply the price tag on the property that attracted him — although that was a big part of it. There was also a sense that something interesting, something exciting, was happening in Holyoke, and he wanted to be a part of it.

Vitek Kruta and Lori Devine felt the same way when they, like Porter, assumed a large amount of risk by opening Gateway City Arts in the former Judd Paper complex on Race Street.

Describing themselves as enablers, Devine and Kruta have a host of things going on in their complex — from tango classes to painting lessons; from performances and lectures to an incubator facility currently with a handful of tenants and potential for about 20 more.

The broad goal is to use the arts as a way to bring people to Holyoke, create energy and vibrancy, and perhaps give birth to some businesses that will repurpose more old mill space and put people to work.

As these stories and others unfold, the pieces of a puzzle are coming together for Holyoke. Creative-economy initiatives are introducing the city to more people and business owners, while the Green High Performance Computing Center, a collaboration involving several universities and technology corporations, give the community “affirmation,” as one entrepreneur out it, while also showing what this city can do. Rail service is returning on a limited basis, and old mills like Open Square continue to add new tenants and bring more vibrancy to the heart of the city.

Holyoke’s comeback story is far from complete, and there are many challenges ahead, but all the signs are there for a turnaround that will be real — and very inspirational.

Opinion

By
Opinion
The Dangers of Our Budget-deficit Minuet

The day after Barack Obama was re-elected, the Dow Jones lost 312.96 points. It wasn’t just that investors were hoping for the lower taxes and further deregulation that would have come with a Romney win. The news from Europe was bad, and pundits were obsessively focused on the ‘fiscal cliff’ of mandatory budget cuts that will drive the economy into a new recession unless Congress jumps off its own budgetary cliff first.

For once, the markets are right. But the news from Europe entirely contradicts conventional assumptions about the fiscal cliff.

Greece, which has dutifully cut its budget as demanded by the leaders of the European Union and the European Central Bank, is deeper in depression than ever. The latest reports show that its economy has shrunk by more than 20% over four years and that the more that it cuts its deficit, the more its national debt grows.

How can that be? Budget cutting in a depression just deepens the depression. The deeper the depression, the less revenue the government takes in.

So if the U.S. does not want to become like Greece, cutting the deficit in a still-depressed economy is the wrong way to go.

The ravages of Hurricane Sandy, with rising oceans forecasted to worsen in coming years, suggests that we will need to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on rebuilding coastal infrastructure — a policy that will also create jobs and stimulate a recovery.

But the deficit-reduction minuet is proceeding as if Sandy never happened.

President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner are on track to cut a deal that Wall Street has been slavering over for a decade — a small dollop of revenue increases, mainly through loophole closings, coupled with massive spending cuts, including in Social Security and Medicare, adding up to $4 trillion to $5 trillion of budget cuts over a decade.

Obama is convinced that this sort of grand bargain is necessary because financial markets expect it. Yet the same financial markets are happy to lend the government money for 30 years at less than 3% interest.

If Obama and the Republicans do make such a deal, growth will slow to a trickle.

Ironically, the president, having humiliated the Republicans on Election Day, holds most of the cards.

He can declare that he has no intention of cutting Social Security or Medicare and instead propose new, must-pass infrastructure legislation. And he can insist that any budget deal needs to include higher taxes on the rich. (California Gov. Jerry Brown just demonstrated that such a stance is good politics. The initiative that he sponsored and worked for, raising taxes on the rich to increase funding for California’s public schools, was approved by the voters.)

Time is on Obama’s side. On Jan. 1, taxes increase on everybody, and automatic spending cuts of $1.2 billion kick in. He needs to set up the Republicans to take the blame because of their wildly unpopular conditions for a deal. Bill Clinton, who won a similar game of chicken with Newt Gingrich in 1996, can give Obama lessons in the art of the bluff.

Re-elected presidents often face a jinx in their second terms. The worst possible start for President Obama would be to agree to a deal that harms the economy and sells out the people who just re-elected him.

If there is one thing worse than a fiscal cliff, it is a fiscal cave. This is no time for Obama to cave into Republican and Wall Street pressure for a budget deal that will leave history to remember him as the Democrat who presided over eight years of a depressed economy. v

 

Robert Kuttner is co-founder and editor of The American Prospect.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

AIC Awarded $2.4 Million Grant

SPRINGFIELD — American International College has received $2.4 million over the next four years through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students program. The award, announced by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal late last month, will enable at least 40 disadvantaged nursing students attending AIC to receive up to $15,000 a year each to defray the cost of their education. The grant is the largest awarded from the federal program to a Massachusetts college, and is the largest federal grant ever received by AIC. There are nearly 400 students in AIC’s bachelor’s-degree Nursing program, one of the largest such programs in the region.

 

Monson Savings Bank

Supports Book Program

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank has become the newest corporate sponsor to adopt a school as part of the Link to Libraries Business Book Link Program. The Quarry Hill Elementary School in Monson will receive new books annually as part of the Link to Libraries ‘adopt-a-school’ program each year for a three-year period. In addition, bank employees will be engaging with students at the school on a regular basis. According to Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries co-founder, “the participation of Monson Savings Bank employees and officers of the bank will greatly enhance the school’s mentoring, tutoring, and library. We are honored that this bank has stepped up and joined our efforts to supply new books to area school libraries and to get professionals developing meaningful relationships with the students and staff.” For more information on the Link to Libraries Business Book Link Program, call (413) 224-1031 or visit www.linktolibraries.org.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• Nov. 7: Chamber’s Business@Breakfast, at Ludlow Country Club, Tony Lema Drive in Ludlow. Registration begins at 7 a.m., the buffet opens at 7:30, and the program begins at 7:55. Guest Speaker is Tony Cignoli, who will be giving a recap of the elections. Coffee Bar Sponsor is Reminder Publications. Salutes will be given to Reminder Publications on its 50th anniversary and Columbia Gas on its 165th anniversary. Cost to attend is $20 for chamber members and $30 for non-chamber members. Reservations should be made in advance at www.myonlinechamber.com, by faxing information to (413) 755-1322, or by e-mailing Cecile Larose at [email protected]. Sponsorships are still available. Contact Larose at (413) 755-1313 if you are interested.

• Nov. 29: Government Reception, at Storrowton Tavern on the Eastern States Exposition grounds. Sponsors for this event are Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Verizon, Baystate Health, and Western Mass. Electric Co. Tickets are $50 for members and $70 for non-members. To make reservations, go online to www.myonlinechamber.com, e-mail Cecile Larose at [email protected], or fax your reservation to (413) 755-1322. Sponsorships are available. Contact Cecile Larose if you are interested.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• Nov. 14: Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce November Salute Breakfast, from 7:15 to 9 a.m., Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Speakers are state Sen. Senator Gail Candaras and state Rep. Joseph Wagner. Among the topics they will address are transportation and gaming. Cost is $20 for members and $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• Nov. 14: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Eighty Jarvis Restaurant, Holyoke. This Business networking event includes a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a bake sale. Local accountants and lawyers may attend this event as the chamber’s guests at no charge. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Nov. 15: SBA Business Plan Basics Seminar, 9-11 a.m., at the chamber offices. This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. Presented by Allen Kronick of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. Cost is $40, which includes a continental breakfast. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Nov. 29: SBA Marketing Basics Seminar, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the chamber offices. This workshop will focus on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research — primary, secondary, qualitative, and quantitative. The core focus will be on developing and keeping a customer. Topics will include advertising, public relations, and the importance of developing a marketing plan. Presented by Dianne Doherty, director of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. Cost is $40, which includes a light lunch. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Nov. 7: Networking Training Session, 4:15-5 p.m. at the Northampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect St., Northampton, prior to the Arrive@5.

• Nov. 7: Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m. at the Northampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect St., Northampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsored by Masiello Employment Services, Webber & Grinnell Insurance, and Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

PROFESSIONAL WOMENS CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

• Nov. 14: November Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Max’s Tavern, Springfield, at the Basketball Hall of Fame, MassMutual Room. Guest speaker is Lynn Ostrowski of Health New England. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

 

 

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shchamber.com

(413) 532-6451

 

• Nov. 14: Economic Summit, 8-9:30 a.m. at Mount Holyoke College. Guest speaker is James Hartley, professor of Economics, who will talk on current state of the economy. Cost is $15 per person for breakfast. RSVP to [email protected] or call (413) 532-6451.

• Nov. 30: Holiday Party, 5-7 p.m. Sponsor: Village Eye Care. Cost: $5 per person.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• Nov. 14: Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 6-9 p.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Salute the Business Leader of the Year, Jeffrey Daley, city advancement officer. Guest speaker will be state Sen. Michael Knapik. Platinum sponsor: Westfield State University; Gold sponsors: First Niagara and Noble Hospital; Silver sponsors: Berkshire Bank and Savage Arms. Cost: $45 for members; $50 for non-members. To register, call Pam at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Employment Law and Human Resources Update

Nov. 8: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast will stage its annual Employment Law and Human Services Practices Update at the Holyoke Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn). The conference, sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, will address the challenging state and federal legal and regulatory environment for employers, and present practical solutions and information to guide employers in their day-to-day employment decisions. The conference is designed for all levels of management — executives, corporate counsel, human-resource professionals, managers, and supervisors — who need practical and timely information to help negotiate ever-evolving employment issues. Conference presenters will include Joel Berner, chief of Enforcement for the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination; Charles Krich, principal attorney for the Connecticut Human Rights Organization; attorney Elaine Reall; and attorneys from Skoler Abbott & Presser, P.C., and EANE. For more information, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444.

 

40 Under Forty Reunion

Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program at the Log Cabin Banquet & meeting House inn Holyoke. The event, open only to 40 Under Forty winners, event judges, and sponsors, will begin at 5:30 and feature a talk from Peter Straley, president of Health New England, about leadership and community involvement. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Innovators and Inventors

Nov. 12: In a historical lecture titled “Innovators and Inventors: Mary Woolley and the City Beautiful,” Sara Jonsberg will visit the Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke at 6 p.m. to discuss the mutually supportive relationship in the early 20th century between the city of Holyoke and Woolley, who was president of Mount Holyoke College from 1901 to 1937. The event is sponsored by the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. The suggested donation is $5.

 

Starting a Business

Nov. 12: The Scibelli Enterprise Center is hosting an event for individuals who are interested in starting a business. “SEC Emerging/Growth Seminar Series: Making the Most of Licenses and Commercial Contracts” will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, One Federal Street, Bldg. 101, Springfield. This seminar will help business owners learn how to enter into license agreements and contracts to make them work for the business. Admission and parking are free. For more information, contact Bev Kelleher at (413) 755-6112 or [email protected].

People On the Move

By
Steven Gardner
Departments People on the Move

Dietz & Co. Architects Inc. announced the following:

• Michael Burgess has joined the firm as Job Captain. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute’s College of Architecture and Urban Studies;

• Richard Dobrowski has joined the firm as an Architectural Associate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Art and Architectural History and a master’s degree in Architecture from UMass Amherst. He studied abroad at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark through an exchange program with UMass; and

• Jason Newman, an Architectural Associate, recently earned a master of Architecture degree at UMass Amherst. He has been with the firm since May 2011.

•••••

Keith Minoff

Keith Minoff

Keith Minoff, principal with of the Law Offices of Keith A. Minoff, P.C., was recently listed in Massachusetts Super Lawyers 2012 as being among the top 5% of practicing attorneys in the state. Minoff specializes in business and employment litigation, and has an office in downtown Springfield. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process is multi-phased, and includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations.



•••••



Kathy Petris

Kathy Petris

Kathy Petris has been named Executive Assistant to Glenn Welch, president and COO of Hampden Bank. Petris will be responsible for senior-level administrative support, report and document preparation, and workflow management. Petris, formerly with Sovereign Bank, brings more than 20 years of banking experience, having served as the commercial loan administration supervisor and senior relationship administrator, in addition to previous positions at BankBoston and BayBank.



•••••



Jeffrey Roberts

Jeffrey Roberts

Patricia Rapinchuk

Patricia Rapinchuk

Nancy Frankel Pelletier

Nancy Frankel Pelletier

James Martin

James Martin

Richard Gaberman

Richard Gaberman

Jeffrey McCormick

Jeffrey McCormick

David Lawless

David Lawless

Michael Simolo

Michael Simolo

Jeffrey Trapani

Jeffrey Trapani

The Springfield-based law firm Robinson Donovan announced that several of the firm’s attorneys were recently named Super Lawyers, and three attorneys were named Rising Stars, by Super Lawyers magazine, a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars recognizes top up-and-coming attorneys, those who are under 40, or those who have been practicing for 10 years or fewer. Those recognized as Super Lawyers are Jeffrey Roberts, Patricia Rapinchuk, Nancy Frankel Pelletier, James Martin, Richard Gaberman, and Jeffrey McCormick.  The up-and-coming Rising Stars include David Lawless, Michael Simolo, and Jeffrey Trapani.

•••••

Bill Lucardi

Bill Lucardi

The West Springfield-based, full-service advertising agency Marketing Doctor recently announced the addition of Bill Lucardi as Agency Director. Lucardi has more than 30 years of sales experience and more than 10 years in advertising in the Hartford and Springfield markets. He will cultivate new advertising and marketing ideas for clients, as well as introduce new businesses to the vast array of services the firm has to offer.

•••••

TD Bank recently announced the following:

• Molly McLaren, Assistant Vice President, has been named Store Manager of the 693 Memorial Dr. location in Chicopee. McLaren, who has five years of retail banking experience, is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations; and

Steven Gardner

Steven Gardner

• Steven Gardner has been named Store Manager of the 465 North Main St. location in East Longmeadow. He is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations at that location. Garner has more than 10 years experience in banking and residential home lending and joined TD Bank in 2011. He previously served as an assistant store manager in Great Barrington and East Longmeadow.

Editorial

By
Opinion
The Casino is a Citywide Issue in Springfield

The Springfield City Council is apparently still gathering information and formulating a decision on whether the vote to support a specific resort-casino proposal in the community should be citywide. We understand the need to be thorough and to hear different voices on this subject, but in our opinion, this is a no-brainer, a decision that should have been made a long time ago.

This is a matter that impacts every section and every citizen of Springfield, no matter where the casino is built, so it should certainly be an issue for the entire city to decide.

This has become even more clear over the past several weeks as details have emerged on the three dueling casino plans — in some cases more than others. When one looks at the size and scope of the proposals, it becomes evident that a casino will alter the look, the feel, the perception, and, most importantly, the future of the city.

The phrase ‘game-changer’ has come into vogue in recent years — mayors seem to love it — and it is often overused and used incorrectly. But in this instance it fits; a casino will definitely change the game in Springfield and in surrounding communities as well.

There are some who would argue that, because a casino will be located in a certain neighborhood, only that ward, or precinct, should be able to vote on the matter, because those residents will be the ones most affected by such a development. Boston’s Mayor Thomas Menino seems to be in that camp, because he’s fearful that residents who don’t live in Revere or East Boston might not support a huge casino proposed for Suffolk Downs.

And such thinking probably explains why the state’s new gambling law permits large cities like Boston and Springfield to limit a casino vote to a host ward.

But Springfield’s officials shouldn’t take advantage of that provision. Whether a Springfield casino is built off Page Bouvelard, in the South End, or in the North End, it will have implications that will reach into Sixteen Acres, Forest Park, Mason Square, and Indian Orchard. There will be jobs, tax revenue, and donations from the chosen casino operator to groups and causes that represent the entire city. There will also be inconveniences from construction, traffic problems, and a negative impact on many different kinds of businesses because of the dollars that will instead be flowing into a casino.

Springfield will become the destination that people have long wanted it to be, and because of that, it will change in every way that an urban center can change. Such a decision can’t be left to a small fraction of the city’s population.

There are many decisions that have to be made in Springfield over the next several months on the casino issue. Most, including the ultimate decision on which plan or plans will go before the voters on a referendum, will involve a high degree of difficulty.

Indeed, as details on the proposals emerge, it becomes clear that they all have merit, question marks, and potential. Choosing a finalist or finalists will be a hard decision.

What shouldn’t be hard is deciding who gets a voice on this matter. Everyone who calls Springfield home should have a say.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Valley Gives: A Celebration of Generosity

The Pioneer Valley has a long tradition of philanthropy — a culture of giving that has benefited youth- and family-serving organizations, educational initiatives, colleges and universities, healthcare institutions, and many other community-serving organizations in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.

This generosity has had a meaningful impact on life in the Valley, even if this can be difficult to quantify. For much of the previous century, this generosity in our region sometimes was quiet, because those with means directed their contributions to one particular organization or even anonymously to the causes for which they had a passion.

In time, there came a desire to gather the philanthropic instinct of the Valley into an organized movement. Thus, in 1991, a group of local visionaries — led by our friend, the late Dick Stebbins, and others — helped to form and launch the Community Foundation of Western Mass.

In just over 20 years, the Community Foundation has grown into a respected institution, responsible for $121 million in assets for which it has grant-making responsibility. In just the last year alone, the foundation rendered $7.8 million in grants, $2 million of which went to scholarships and educational loans. And philanthropy continues to be on the rise in the Valley, as new gifts to the foundation for the most recent fiscal year totaled $8.4 million.

These are impressive numbers for sure. But there are many nonprofits in the Valley that need help, and, currently, there are not sufficient resources to support all of them adequately. We also know there are so many more in the Valley who are generous, who want to help the causes, organizations, and initiatives that make living in here so special.

At the same time, there is ample and growing evidence that philanthropy from the grassroots is well on its way to dwarfing traditional philanthropy. In 2001, just 4% of Internet users made an online donation. By last year, 65% of Internet users, a huge number, made an online donation. Over the past five years, fund-raising through social media alone has doubled to almost $1 billion.

Early last year, as longtime supporters of the Community Foundation, we approached the organization’s leadership to discuss how to get more individuals, from every corner of the Valley, involved in growing this culture of giving in the region.

After much discussion, research, and outreach to find successful models for inspiring new donors, we discovered community ‘giving day’ campaigns throughout the U.S. that in a single 24-hour period have raised millions for nonprofits. This tapping in to community-wide generosity served as the inspiration for the launch of Valley Gives.

The impact of community-giving days has been swift and impressive. In Minnesota, Nevada, Michigan, and New Haven, Conn., millions of charitable dollars have been raised from tens of thousands of donors in just one day. These results confirm that Americans welcome online giving. We think we can have the same success here.

In short, Valley Gives is a one-of-a-kind celebration of generosity in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. On Dec. 12 — 12/12/12 — residents of the three counties will join together for 24 hours of special events and online campaigns with the goal of getting thousands of Valley residents to make gifts to their favorite charities and nonprofits.

Anyone with a computer or mobile device, which is just about everyone, can participate. Starting at 12:01 a.m., residents of the Valley can visit the website, find the cause they care most about — or several at the same time — and make their contribution online. On the 12th, there will also be mobile giving stations located at areas of high foot traffic, such as malls.

The choices in spreading generosity and making a difference will be many — more than 250 nonprofits and the critical work they do will be represented on the Valley Gives website.

The initiative has an ambitious goal of raising $1 million in a single day from thousands of donors, large and small, via the Internet, much of it driven through social media, to help our nonprofits sustain and expand the important work they do.

We hope you will join us in supporting the causes and initiatives you care about by giving in this new way. Valley Gives is likely to engage more individuals supporting more causes in our region than ever before. Visit the website valleygivesday.org and be a part of starting something new, something big, in the Pioneer Valley.

Al Griggs and Paul Doherty are business leaders, supporters of the Community Foundation, and catalysts for the
Valley Gives initiative.

PictureThis

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]

Barometer of Business

The 23rd annual Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Super 60 awards luncheon was held recently at Chez Josef to celebrate the success of privately owned businesses that continue to make significant contributions to the strength of the regional economy. From top to bottom: Art Jasper, left, sales manager at Johnstone Supply, and Alan Stearley, financial advisor at the Gaudreau Group; Dr. Henry Julio East-Trou, center, executive director of Gandara Mental Health Center, accepts a Super 60 award for revenue from Luke Kettles, left, senior vice president at Hampden Bank, and Juan Campbell, vice president of sales at Health New England; Danielle Lord, vice president of operations at O’Connell Professional Nurse Service, accepts the award for overall growth alongside Campbell and Gordon Quinn, principal at Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn; from left, Lynn Ostrowski, director of Brand & Corporate Relations at Health New England, Pat Scheer, director of Quality Operations at Health New England, Michael Scheer, flooring contractor and consultant at Dimauro Carpet & Tile, and Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England; guest speaker Greg Bialecki, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, addresses the gathering; keynote speaker Stanley Kowalski III, chairman of the board for FloDesign Inc. and founder of FloDesign Wind Turbine, speaks about the misses his ideas experienced before his current success and new ventures.

 









































Super Model

Mike Balise, right, vice president of Balise Motor Sales, poses with Timothy Cardillo, general manager of Balise Lexus, at an unveiling of the new ES350 model at the dealership late last month. The event drew several dozen customers and potential customers to the facility on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.











Groundbreaking Event

Balise Ford in Wilbraham staged an elaborate groundbreaking ceremony for a new dealership on Wilbraham Road late last month. The 27,000-square-foot facility, which will feature 16 service bays and a QuickLane service center, is expected to open next spring. Seen here with ceremonial shovels in front of several Ford officials, are, from left, Hal Dewsnap, Ford regional manager; Michael Balise, vice president of Balise Motor Sales; and Wilbraham selectmen Robert Russell and Robert Bollard.

 

A Grand Opening

Laplante Construction hosted a reception on Oct. 18 to celebrate the opening of its new offices at 94 Maple St., East Longmeadow. The new, fully leased commercial building was designed with a residential look, and is also occupied by Northstar Recycling, M. Scott Investments, and Robert M. Phelan. From top to bottom: Bill Laplante, president of Laplante Construction; Paul Tierney, senior vice president of United Bank; and Brad Campbell, executive director of the Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass.; Andy Crane, president of A. Crane Construction, with his wife, Tina. Ray Laplante, left, founder of Laplante Construction, with Bill Donovan, president of Donovan Oil Co.

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

Audette Group, LLC v. Concord Heights, LLC, et al

Allegation: Failure to pay for construction services: $118,945

Filed: 10/11/12

 

People’s United Bank v. A.D. George Construction Inc. and Andrew D. George

Allegation: Non-payment and default on two promissory notes: $138,631.67

Filed: 9/28/12

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Financial Pacific Leasing, LLC v. Atkins Construction, LLC, Kenneth G. Atkins, and Maureen A. Atkins

Allegation: Suit on previous judgment: $39,802.28

Filed: 8/13/12

 

Gary Kendall v. Colvest/Belchertown, LLC

Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $28,763.43

Filed: 9/25/12

 

Krishnamurti Rao, M.D. v. Michael Dillon, M.D.

Allegation: Action to recognize the judgment of a different state: $226,293.68

Filed: 8/29/12

 

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Diana Rodriquez v. Kmart Corp.

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $3,908.31

Filed: 7/26/12

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Western Mass Environmental, LLC v. Corbett Home Improvement and Edward Corbett

Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $8,735

Filed: 9/27/12

 

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Larry G. Cusing & Sons Inc. v. Papesh Excavation and Alan R. Papesh

Allegation: Non-payment of well-drilling services and materials: $5,499.07

Filed: 8/6/12

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Pioneer Chiropratic Inc. and Pain Management and Rehabilitation Inc v. The Premier Insurance Co. of Massachusetts

Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay PIP: $3,719.08

Filed: 9/12/12

 

Robert Gossman v. Szczebak Realty Trust, et al

Allegation: Breach of contract when defendant failed to return refundable deposit pursuant to a formal offer to lease: $8,000

Filed: 9/20/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

American Zurich Insurance Co. v. Carlos Professional Deliveries and Carlos Cosmo

Allegation: Monies owed for insurance services rendered: $7,543

8/29/12

 

Correction:

A court listing in the Oct. 22 issue of BusinessWest was incorrect due to a transcription error. The item should have read:

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Hanibal C. Tayeh, Hanibal Technology, LLC, and Spectrum Analytical Inc. v. Vanessia Petroleum of Doha, Qatar and Cheikh Abdul Aziz Al Thani

Allegation: Breach of loan agreement: $1,500,000

Filed: 8/27/12

Buidling Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of October 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Ben Franklin Design and Manufacturing

938 Suffield St.

$40,000 — Replace roof

 

Genesis Healthcare

61 Cooper St.

$10,000 — Install new concrete pad

 

Marc Sparks

176 Shoemaker Lane

$350,000 — Interior renovation

 

AMHERST

 

Amherst Presidential Village

950 North Pleasant St.

$27,000 — New roof

 

J. Gumbo

19 North Pleasant St.

$2,000 — Install cabinets

 

CHICOPEE

 

Atlas Property

32 Lucretia Ave.

$11,500 — New roof

 

Bernashe Realty Inc.

1783 Memorial Dr.

$8,000 — New roof

 

Chicopee Grove Realty Associates, LLC

233-235 Grove St.

$5,400 – New roof over porch

 

City of Chicopee

680 Front St.

$10,000 — Install panel roofing

 

Satya Enterprises, LLC

500 Memorial Dr.

$9,056,000 — Construction of a new Residence Inn

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

Easthampton Savings Bank

36 Main St.

$230,000 — Sidewalk and window replacement

 

Eastworks, LLP

116 Pleasant St.

$8,500 — Build demising wall to separate warehouse form sales office

 

Eastworks, LLP

116 Pleasant St.

$9,000 — Construct non-bearing partitions to create bar/lounge

 

HADLEY

 

Chipotle Mexican Grill

354 Russell St.

$41,500 — Interior renovations

 

Hadley Pet Hotel

155 Russell St.

$57,500 — Install HVAC system

 

McDonald’s

374 Russell St.

$17,500 — New kitchen exhaust system

 

Verizon Wireless

99 East River Dr.

$9,000 — Nine upgraded antenna

 

HOLYOKE

 

Holyoke Gas & Electric

30 Water St.

$59,000 — Install storefront windows

 

Sisters of Providence

1233 Main St.

$144,000 — Roof work

 

United Waste Management Holding Inc.

686 Main St.

$2,559,000 — Build waste transfer facility

 

NORTHAMPTON

 

518 Pleasant Street, LLC

518 Pleasant St.

$56,000 — New roof

 

City of Northampton

240 Main St.

$724,000 — Conversion to storage building at the Leachate Treatment Facility

 

Corliss Ruggiero LLC

50 Center St.

$23,000 — Replace roof

 

Smith College

60 Elm St.

$75,000 — Replace front entry door

 

PALMER

 

Dunkin Donuts

1559 Main St.

$103,000 — Cosmetic renovations

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Senior Center

45 Dayton St.

$561,000 — Roof repairs

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Baystate Health

50 Maple St.

$55,000 — Renovate office space

 

Big Y Foods, Inc.

60 Memorial Dr.

$20,000 — Renovate interior office partitions

 

Big Y Foods Inc.

2145 Roosevelt Ave.

$115,000 — New roof

 

Honore, LLC

417 Liberty St.

$14,000 — Interior renovations

 

Robert McCaroll

44 Dale St.

$18,750 — Exterior repairs

 

WESTFIELD

 

City of Westfield

22 Ashley St.

$25,000,000 — Construction of a new elementary school

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Jay Kruzel

1319 Riverdale St.

$23,000 — Re-roof

 

NGL Supply & Wholesale

1275 Union St.

$6,000 — Install a truck scale

 

U-Name-It-Storage, LLC

203 Circuit Ave.

$15,000 — Siding

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Ala, Lisa

99 Hillcredst Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Baillargeon, Timothy R.

Baillargeon, Michelle M.

23 Deleware Ave.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Barszewski, Daniel J.

89 Maple St.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Basch, David R.

12 Walker Road

Wales, MA 01081

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Bassi, Patrick J.

24 Taylor St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Bates-Basch, Kimberly A.

12 Walker Road

Wales, MA 01081

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Benoit, Tanya L.

86 Ruskin St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Berry, Laurie A.

24 Maple Terrace

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Blackburn, Delbert R.

Blackburn, Nancy E.

2 Honeysuckle Lane

Brimfield, MA 01010

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Blair, Kimberly M.

142 Main St., #3

Lenox, MA 01240

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/26/12

 

Brogle, Rebecca A.

67 Alden St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Brownson, Roger C.

2 Magnolia St.

Great Barrington, MA 01230

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Bushay, Louis R.M.

87 Congress St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/28/12

 

Campoverde, Carlos E.

130 Jenks Road

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Ceccarini, Krystal Marie

232 Sumner Ave.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Chekovsky, John R.

Chekovsky, Luz M.

31 Grove St.

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Chubka, Erin M.

a/k/a Finn, Erin M.

23 Belvidere St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Conant, John Wright

17 Settright Road

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Conrad, Richard A.

5 Wildwood Lane, Unit E

P.O. Box 811

Goshen, MA 01032

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/18/12

 

Cotto, Juan C.

57 Miller St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/26/12

 

Cruz, Jorge L.

1098 Chicopee St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/26/12

 

Doherty, Erin L.

66 Nathaniel St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Dowd, Eleanor R.

200 Lambert Terrace #17

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Dowling, Roy H.

75A Cadwell Road

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Faniel, Timothy M.

173 Nassau Dr.

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Forbes, Sarah Channing

a/k/a Bledsoe, Sarah Forbes

P.O. Box 848

Charlemont, MA 01339

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Gabaree, Ronald A.

Gabaree, Gina M.

343 Water St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Galas, Jeremy M.

217 Nonotuck Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/23/12

 

Gonzalez, Sonia I.

47 Laurie Ave.

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/28/12

 

Gray, Stephen P.

86 Bowdoin St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/26/12

 

Green, Latara

91 Pilgrim Road

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Haffty, Kimberley J.

491 Franklin St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Hart, Kim Marie

11 Cypress Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Henriquez, Ellen S.

74 Memorial Dr.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Hooper, Donna M.

a/k/a Henry, Donna

Paul Revere Dr., Apt. 63B

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Howard, Stephanie C.

41 Washington St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Howell, Elizabeth A.

42 Stephanie Circle

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Hubbard, Kelli L

81 Roosevelt Ave.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Iennaco, Frank A.

a/k/a Iennaco, Francesco A.

130 Orchard Road

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Jacques, Karen J.

133 Main St.

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Kamienski, Ann M.

917 North St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/28/12

 

Keefe, Colin

P.O. Box 83

Worthington, MA 01098

Chapter: 11

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Kirkitelos, Jeffrey P.

81 Roosevelt Ave.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Krzanik, Fred A.

3 Myrtle St., Apt. A-6

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Lavigne, Lee

a/k/a Bustamante, Lee

68 Calvin Circle

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Lavigne, William F.

68 Calvin Circle

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Layman, Sean James

Wingblade, Georgia Michele

a/k/a Graves, Georgia M.

627 Berkshire Trail

Cummington, MA 01026

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

LeBlanc, Crystal E.

385 Worthington St., Unit 2E

Springfield, MA 01103

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/26/12

 

Long, Marie L.

Miles Morgan Court 11D

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Magrone, Holly Elizabeth

132 Plain St.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Martin, Dan F.

179 West Park St.

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/18/12

 

McElaney, Linda A.

540 Coles Meadow Road

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

McNally, Sara Elizabeth

96 North St., Apt. 2

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Militello, Michael A.

Devio-Militello, Sunny L.

a/k/a Devio, Sunny L.

30 Prospect St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Nestor, Thomas W.

740 Granby Road

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

O’Malley, William B.

O’Malley, Deborah A.

54 Corey Road

Springfield, MA 01128

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/18/12

 

Osborn, Muriel R.

238 Cottage St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/28/12

 

Partridge, Carol A.

34 Lamplighter Lane

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Paul, Raymond L.

Paul, Chantal L.

4 Tokeneke Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Pelott, Suzanne Marie

520 B Pleasant St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Perez, Herminio

28 Freeman Terrace

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Poirier, Colleen

56 Tokeneke Road

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Pouliot, Jennifer L.

37 Rivest Ct.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Prawlucki, Francis J.

57 Brigham Road

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/23/12

 

Proulx, Julianne L.

48 Donbray Road

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Richardson, Margaret A.

55 Flaherty Road

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Rivera, Debra Anne

72 Kings Highway Road

W. Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Robinson, Heidi J.

a/k/a Mantler, Heidi

415 Soule Road

Wilbraham, MA 01095-2432

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Sayre, Francis R.

Sayre, Cynthia C.

57 Dickinson Dr.

Granville, MA 01034

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Seixas, Carlos

370 Nottingham St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Shields, Kathleen Ann

192 Berkshire Ave.

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/18/12

 

Silvano, Richard E.

3 Redmond Lane

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Smith, Bonnie J.

a/k/a Cantoni, Bonnie J.

1 Marietta St.

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/21/12

 

Smith, Dora M.

a/k/a Reyes, Dora M.

675 Allen St.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Sperry, Norman A.

430 Pleasant St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

St. Francis, Sean Michael

St. Francis, Cherie Renee

291 Sarty Road

Warren, MA 01083

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Stebbins, Roxanne L.

41 Grove St.

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/23/12

 

Strong, Michelle E.

293 Tremont St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/24/12

 

Stuart, Maria I.

30 Lionel Benoit Road

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/25/12

 

Suprunchuk, Pavel

Suprunchuk, Inna

109 Park River Dr.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Thivierge, Gerald R.

165 Farnsworth St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Thornton, Douglas W.

60 Berkshire Dr.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/20/12

 

Tighe, Roberta Anne

377 Chicopee St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Tourville, William

Burke, Angela

33 Ames Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/19/12

 

Trueman, Robert F.

Trueman, Janice M.

11 Wallace Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Vega, Brenda E.

19 Linden St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/27/12

 

Vyce, Christopher R.

350 West St., Lot 36

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Williams, Randal J.

P.O. Box 1706

Lenox, MA 01240

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 09/17/12

 

Zuckerman, Amy Irene

4 Eaton Ct.

Amherst, MA 01002-2828

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 09/27/12

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of October 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Blue Goose Cupcakery

159 Main St.

Kristin K. Ashe

 

Chasam Boutique, LLC

159 Main St.

Tammy Gentile

 

Fursique

360 North Westfield St.

Jennifer Scully

 

Pioneer Precision Grinding

40 Bowles Road

Christopher Bignell

 

Weddings by Trista

322 Meadow St.

Trista Leonesio

 

AMHERST

 

Backyard Bakery

33 Ward St.

Dorie Goldman

 

Big Red Taxi

42 Polly Village Place

Ajeet Fuller

 

Charter 21

7 North Pleasant St.

Mary J. Viederman

 

Game Central Station

220 North Pleasant St.

Agueel Ahmed

 

Penny Farthing Investment Management LLC

6 South East St.

Eric Bright

 

Phoenix Feather Press

55 High Point Dr.

Loraine Young

 

Pioneer Valley Open Science

336 North Pleasant St.

Donald Blair

 

CHICOPEE

 

Action Construction Services

108 Greenpoint Circle

Stanton Collier

 

American Home Energy Raters LLC

165 Front St.

John J. Kosak

 

DP Enterprises LLC

60 Dwight St.

Ferndes Delciney

 

Fiona’s Spa

1888 Memorial Dr.

Ling Chen

 

Giovanni’s Pizza

1885 Memorial Dr.

Turgut Aydin

 

Napa of Western Mass.

49 Circle Dr.

Timothy Hurley

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

Shema

88 Loudville Road

Edward Machat

 

Tanden Bagel Company

9 Railroad St.

Christopher Zawacki

 

HADLEY

 

Alina’s Ristorante

96 Russell St.

Martin Barraza

 

Exotic Auto Repair

184 Russell St.

Paul Narus

 

KT Hair Imports

153 Rocky Hill Road

Kyra Troiano

 

HOLYOKE

 

Bridge Motor Sales

914 Main St.

James W. Roule

 

Calendar Club

50 Holyoke St.

Veysel Ozen

 

D & M’s Variety

522 South Bridge St.

Diana Morales

 

La Pescaderia Restaurant

389 Main St.

Victoria Williams

 

RBW Painting

12 Florence Ave.

Bruce White

 

RSS Holyoke

128 Allyn St.

Mark Wotton

 

NORTHAMPTON

 

Amblyobe Press

74 Maynard Road

Richard Brunswick

 

Chameleon’s Hair Salon

2 Conz St.

Michael Marvin

 

M & M Cleaning

377 Florence Road

Ashley Samson

 

Plumb Auto Supply

125 Carlon Dr.

Frederick Pitzer

 

Rick Mott’s Auto Repair LLC

442 Elm St.

Richard Mott

 

Sweetbrier Birth & Postpartum Services

2313 Brewster Court

Allison Cwalinski

 

The Dirty Truth

29 Main St.

Nathan Blehar

 

Uname It Print

73 Bridge St.

Abdul Kabba

 

Valley Hands

342 Pleasant St.

Dorene Pennell

 

PALMER

 

MERG

32 Smith St.

Thomas Cassidy

 

River East School to Career Inc.

1455 North Main St.

Loretta Dansereau

 

SA Martin Heavy Truck and Equipment Repair

84 Beech St.

Shawn Martin

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

1 Home Health Care

77 Firglade Ave.

Hetty Reis

 

Abarca Tree Service

30 Paramount St.

Benito Abarca

 

African Diaspora Mental Health

17 Arvilla St.

Joseph C. Strickland

 

American Ballroom Dance

469 Sumner Ave.

Richard J. Labrie

 

Ara-Springfield Dialysis

125 Liberty St.

Kristen J. Ziemba

 

Arena Colorful

1196 St. James Ave.

Erik Christopher

 

El Caribeno Restaurant

858 State St.

Isidro Rodriguez

 

El Morro Bakery & Restaurant

599 Page Blvd.

Neidy Cruz

 

Family First Music Group

90 Teakwood Road

Christian A. Lowe

 

Family Home Improvements

230 Fort Pleasant Ave.

Pablo Martinez

 

Food Mart

353 Allen St.

Masood Ghani

 

Golden Fingers Barbershop

433 White St.

Younes H. Tony

 

GXM Windows

24 Seminole St.

David Montanez

 

JS Wireless

1655 Boston Road

Joonsoon Lim

 

JD Cole-TV

59 Meredith St.

Jeremy D. Cole

 

Jose Santiago Home Improvements

34 Woodcliff St.

Jose A. Santiago

 

K & L Exchange

1192 Parker St.

Lien A. Chen

 

Kim’s Wigs & Boutique

950 State St.

Kevin S. Lee

 

Kumar & Andy Inc.

145 Boston Road

Sneh Kumar

 

WESTFIELD

 

Champion Tae Kwondo

98 Franklin St.

Chung S. Park

 

David M. Ritchie Plumbing and Heating

35 Barbara St.

David Ritchie

 

Elegant Tailoring Shop

69 Elm St.

Larisa Ovchinnikova

 

Furrow Engineering

199 Servistar Industrial Way

Frank DeMarinis

 

Larsen Creative Media

36 ½ Cross St.

Benjamin Larsen

 

New England Apiaries

53 Elizabeth Ave.

William D. Crawford III

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Affordable Auto Glass Inc.

806 East Elm St.

Joseph J. Esile III

 

Bertera Mitsubishi

526 Riverdale St.

Bertera Automobile Corporation

 

Big Lots

1150 Union St.

Big Lots Stores Corporation

 

Circle of Life Holistic Massage

1096 Memorial Ave.

Marianne M. Swiatek

 

Cooper Works Services & Products

93 Charles Ave.

Ricky R. Cooper

 

DSG

1284 Elm St.

Richard Leaderman

 

Kwarciany Construction

78 Smyrna St.

Michael A. Kwareiany

 

Liz Bontempo Productions

19 Hillside Ave.

Elizabeth Bontempo

 

O’Neal Management

203 Circuit Ave.

James Bethea

 

Rotary Liquors

52 Park St.

Jennifer Demerski

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

 

AGAWAM

 

East Coast Petroleum Compliances Inc., 50 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. Jeffrey Hansen, same. Petroleum-compliance testing.

 

AMHERST

 

Gemini’s Pampered Greyhounds Inc., 145 Whitney St., Amherst, MA 01002. Lisa Packard, same. Nonprofit organization developed for the purpose of finding appropriate homes for greyhounds which fail to qualify for racing regardless of health, condition, or age.

 

CHICOPEE

 

Chicopee Outreach Services Inc., 636 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Debra Moncrieffe, same. Develop a preferential option for those affected by domestic violence. By providing a safe environment in emergency, abusive situations, our goal is to improve the lives of women and children who live with abuse.

 

Eco Friendly Air Systems Inc., 477 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Alberto Ortiz, same. Sales and installation of air-quality products and systems.

 

KLM Auto Repair Inc., 21 Lacine St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Maria Christy, same. Automotive reapair.

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

AHA Creative Solutions Inc., 6 Pomeroy St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Tracey Bryant, same. Consulting services.

 

GZ Bagel Inc., 27 Bayberry Dr., Easthampton, MA 01027. Brian Greenwood, 366 East Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Brian Greenwood, 366 East St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Restaurant and bagel shop.

 

FEEDING HILLS

 

FL Referrals Inc., 778 Springfield, St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Michael Preston, 01030. Business consulting services.

 

FLORENCE

 

Left Hand Productions Inc., 491 Bridge Road, Unit 2311, Florence, MA 01062. Heather Sutliff Rogers Craig, same. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c)(3) of the internal revenue code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

 

GREENFIELD

 

AE Sushi Inc., Aaron Liang, 70 Deerfield St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Aaron Liang, same. Making and packaging sushi to be sold in supermarkets.

 

FCTS Machine Technology Inc., 15 Greenfield St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Steven Capshaw, same. To purchase machinery, to support current and future training of students at the Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, Mass. regarding the use and operation of modern machinery.

 

Greenfield and Western Corporation, 19 Carol Lane, Greenfield, MA  01301. Thomas Carter, same. Realty rental.

 

LONGMEADOW

 

K. Francis Lee, M.D., P.C., 29 Longmeadow, MA 01106. K. Francis Lee, M.D.295 Pinewood Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Medical practice.

 

LUDLOW

 

Cleaning Crew, Corp., 17 Grimard St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Daniel Goodwin, same. Specialized cleaning.

 

Lavertue Electric Inc., 733 Chapin St., Suite 200C, Ludlow, MA 01056. Paul Lavertue, 37 Ferncroft St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Electrical Service.

 

MONTGOMERY

 

Grogan & Speer Inc., 16 North Road, Montgomery, MA 01085.Nathan Speer, same. Information-technology consulting.

 

NORTH ADAMS

 

Barbara and Eric Rudd Art Foundation Inc., 189 Beaver St., North Adams, MA 01247. Eric Von Eggers Rudd, same. To promote, conserve, preserve and exhibit the sculptures and pieces of art of Rric Rudd for the benefit of the public; to exhibit his visual art, and to organize performances of his written and described works; to collect, conserve, preserve and exhibit, on a temporary or permanent basis, the original works of other artists as such works relate to the works of Eric Rudd and in the context of such relationships; to organize and sponsor educational activities related to his art including, but not limited to seminars, workshops and performances; to promote, support, foster and/or contribute to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a museum for the public exhibition of Eric Rudd’s art.

 

 

NORTHAMPTON

Hampshire Foundation Inc., 99 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Todd Ford, 78 Fern St., Florence, MA 01062.

 

Friends of Sayulita Inc., 189 Beaver St., North Adams, MA 01247. Eric Von Eggers Rudd, same. Nonprofit organization.

 

PALMER

 

Exhibit Resources Inc., 35 Cedar Hill St., Palmer, MA 01069. Mario Biagetti, same. Provide full range of product and support services to the trade show and event industry, to include all planning and design aspects of event exhibits and displays. This corporation may engage in or transact any and all lawful activities or business permitted under the laws of United States of America, the state of Massachusetts, or any other state, county, territory, or nation.

 

Cabot Pub II Inc., 387 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Richard Harty, same. Restaurant and pub.

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Leprechaun Plunge Inc., 246 Ferry St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Lucien Brunelle Jr. same.

 

SOUTHBRIDGE

 

Dance to Live Foundation Inc., Arianys De Jesus, 58 Crestwood Dr., Southbridge, MA 01550. Arianys De Jesus, same. A foundation for teens that suffer from depression or any mental health issue. To create a community where young teens are mentored to live healthy and meaningful lives, free from the bonds of depression. Mission: to battle depression through the art of dance and music by providing teens with the space and opportunity to better their physical fitness as well as mental and spiritual health.

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

A.M.R Inc.,  31 Daviston St., Springfield, MA 01108. Philps Roberge, same. Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning.

 

Ambassadors Professional Painters Inc., 38 Berkshire Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Desmond Cavaan, 11 Balboa Dr., Springfield, MA 01109. Professional painters.

 

Artistic Remodeling Inc., 138 Santa Barbara St., Springfield, MA 01104. Barbaro Veloz, same. Remodeling services.

 

Bright Dental Care, PC 1795 Main St., #203, Springfield, MA 01103. Ranganayaki Chirummailla, 75 Hockanum Blvd., #1536, Vernon CT, 06066. Dental Practice.

 

Family Life Humanitarian Organization Inc., 335 Rosewell St., Springfield, MA. Randolph Lester, same. Provide free meals and clothing to homeless citizens within the Commonwealth.

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Aroma Inc., 935 Riverdale St., Unit 11, West Springfield, MA 01089. Chang Qiao Jiang, same. Restaurant.

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.

 

 

CHICOPEE

DISTRICT COURT

LVNV Funding, LLC, assignee of FIA card Services, N.A. v. Sweetwater Cycles

Allegation: Unpaid balance due for monies loaned: $27,629.29

Filed: 9/5/12

 

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Trans River Marketing Co., L.P. v. Whitney Trucking Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment of waste disposal services provided: $188,160.50

Filed: 8/29/12

HAMPDEN

SUPERIOR COURT

Hanibal Technology, LLC v. Spectrum Analytical Inc.

Allegation: Breach of loan agreement: $1,500,000

Filed: 8/27/12

 

Ocean State Job Lot v. Cobalt Industries Inc.

Allegation: Defendant has failed to pay subcontractors: $116,459

Filed: 9/4/12

 

SPRINGFIELD

DISTRICT COURT

Perlman Recycling Inc. v. Tri County Recycling

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,874.99

Filed: 8/28/12

Editorial

By
Opinion
I-91: Imagine the Possibilities

State and city officials went public recently with reports that the elevated section of I-91 that slices through downtown Springfield is in very poor condition (that’s not a news flash) and in need of repairs and rebuilding that will cost north of $400 million (that is news — and a very big number indeed).

These revelations have led to some early speculation — or daydreaming, depending on your point of view — about possibly making this a surface road or perhaps even taking that stretch of the highway and putting it underground, like Boston’s Big Dig. Neither of these options is very likely, due largely to the nightmarish delays and cost overruns that made two three-letter words, ‘big’ and ‘dig,’ synonymous nationally and internationally with ‘disaster.’

But it would be nice to dream.

That’s because this stretch of I-91, like many of the highways built in the ’50s and ’60s as part of the Interstate Highway System, helped link cities, while also destroying much of their fabric. Inspired by urban planners such as New York’s famous (and infamous) Robert Moses, highways such as I-91 helped suburbanize America while also accelerating the demise of once-proud urban centers — like Springfield.

I-91 made the city more accessible than ever before. But that accessibility came with a steep price. Some thriving neighborhoods, especially the South End, were cut in two, with many homes, businesses, and parks destroyed to make way for the highway. Indeed, in the days after the tornado that touched down in that neighborhood 16 months ago, many long-time South End residents and business owners said that was the second disaster to befall the area, with I-91 being the first.

The new highway took people to Springfield, but it also took them right through it and on to other destinations, such as the Holyoke Mall, downtown Northampton, and Hartford, and it would be fair to say that there has been more of the latter than the former, and this has been one of many factors that have contributed to Springfield’s decline over the past 45 years and only modest recovery.

But it is also I-91 and other connecting highways, such as I-291 and the Turnpike, perhaps more than other factors, that have made Springfield the first choice of three companies that want to win the coveted license for a Western Mass. resort casino. People would like to think the city’s quality of life, available real estate, and the fact that its residents will likely support a casino have made the idea popular, but the bottom line is, what makes Springfield attractive is that you can get there — and very easily — from just about anywhere.

Unless something miraculous happens and the state becomes willing to take on another project like the Big Dig, it seems certain that the elevated section of I-91 will be subject to an endless string of patch jobs designed to lengthen the road’s useful lifespan. This will lead to more disruption downtown (recent potholes have caused huge traffic tieups) and perhaps two or three more decades of the status quo.

It will also mean many more years of trying to find ways for Springfield to thrive in spite of the highway. Efforts to date have not been very successful, although the riverfront is much more vibrant than it was decades ago and a casino promises to bring thousands of people to the city each day to at least gamble for a few hours.

According to local legend, the original plan was to put I-91 on the west side of the Connecticut River, but some powers that be decided that this wasn’t prudent, practical, or both. Springfield has had to coexist with the highway ever since, and for the most part, it has suffered due to its existence.

While daydreaming about removing the eyesore from the landscape, city and regional officials will likely have to make do with finding more ways to leverage the road as an asset and live with its drawbacks.

Because it’s highly unlikely there will be an opportunity to live without it.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Understanding Your Company’s Cash Flow

Oct. 24: Your business runs on cash — cash in and cash out. At a workshop titled “Understanding Your Company’s Cash Flow,” presented by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network, attendees can learn the basics of cash flow, how to manage cash-flow projections, the timing of cash inflows and outflows, how to improve a company’s cash flow, and how cash flow is different from profit. The workshop will take place at 10 a.m. at PeoplesBank, 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke, and will be presented by Robb Morton of Boisselle, Morton & Associates in South Hadley. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

 

Top Trends in Politics

Oct. 24: “Top Trends in Politics @Westfield State: a Round-table Discussion of What is Happening Now” will be staged at the Woodward Center on the Westfield State University campus starting at 7 p.m. A public reception begins at 6:30. The event is described as “an exploration of election year 2012 — the issues, candidates, strategies, and political climate” — and will feature six panelists. They include Douglas Brinkley, bestselling author of Cronkite, historian, and professor at Rice University; Hendrick Hertzberg, senior editor and political commentator for the New Yorker; Shannon O’Brien, former Massachusetts state treasurer and receiver general; Dan Thomasson, nationally syndicated columnist and former editor and vice president of Scripps Howard; Lowell Weicker, former U.S. senator and U.S. representative; and Westfield State University President Evan Dobelle. For more information, visit www.westfield.ma.edu

 

Rays of Hope Walk in Springfield, Greenfield

Oct. 28: As the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, thousands of walkers and runners will be hitting the pavement to support breast health in Western Mass. as part of the 19th annual Rays of Hope – A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, and its accompanying 3rd annual Run Toward the Cure 8K. This year’s annual walk events, presented by Health New England, are set for Springfield and Greenfield, while the run is held only in Springfield. Last year some 21,000 combined walkers and runners from Springfield and Greenfield, including over 600 teams, participated in Rays of Hope. Since 1994, the program has raised $10.25 million, all of which has remained in local communities on behalf of patients and their families affected by breast cancer. The Springfield walk and run begin at Temple Beth El on Dickinson Street, with registration set for 9 a.m. The walk in Greenfield begins at Energy Park on Miles Street, with registration at 10 a.m. The Springfield walk steps off at 10:30 a.m., preceded at 10:15 a.m. by the run, and the Greenfield walk begins later at noon. Walkers in Springfield can choose from a two- or five-mile route. The shorter route is accessible to handicapped participants, while the five-mile stroll is a little more challenging with some hills. In Greenfield, participants can select a two- or three-mile route, both of which travel up Main Street before taking different directions. Participants can register for both the walk and run online at baystatehealth.org/raysofhope, where they can also create their own personal webpage to assist them in their fund-raising efforts. For the Springfield Walk, free parking with shuttle service is available at locations near Temple Beth El, including in East Longmeadow at American Saw and East Longmeadow High School, as well as in Longmeadow at Blueberry Hill School and Longmeadow High School, and at other locations found on the Rays of Hope website. Participants are asked to refrain from parking on the side streets near the temple. In Greenfield, free parking is available in the public lots behind Green Fields Market, on Chapman Street behind Wilson’s Department Store, behind the Franklin County Court House, and in the Freedom Credit Union parking lot. Walkers are asked not to park in the Wilson’s Department Store lot for the benefit of its customers. There is no shuttle service, as all lots are within walking distance of Energy Park. Handicapped parking is available at Temple Beth El and at Energy Park for those with an official handicapped parking permit and/or license plate only. No pets, other than service dogs, are allowed at either the Springfield or Greenfield locations.

 

Equity-financing Workshop

Oct. 31: For some new or small businesses, equity financing is the most appropriate way to bring required capital into the firm. This could be the case because the businesses are high-risk, high-growth, or in need of more startup and growth capital than can be supplied by other sources. At a workshop titled “Equity Financing for High Potential/High Growth Ventures,” presented by the Mass. Small Development Center Network, attendees can learn about this attractive financing option. The program will provide an overview of equity financing and answer questions such as, what qualifies a venture for equity financing? What are the biggest mistakes you can make and the smartest things you can do while seeking equity investment? What should the venture leadership team look like? What are equity investors looking for? What matters the most in seeking equity investment? What are the major reasons why a business is funded or not funded? How are equity deals structured? And how do you set a valuation for a new venture?

The workshop, to be presented by Peter Morton of the MSBDC Network, Central Regional Office, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St. in Springfield. A light lunch will be provided. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

 

HCC Fall Open House

Nov. 1: Holyoke Community College will stage its annual Fall Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development’s PeoplesBank Room. Guests can learn about HCC’s nearly 100 degree and certificate programs, as well as the school’s comprehensive support, services, student clubs and activities, financial aid, and more. Applications for admission will be accepted at the event, and there will also be individual breakout sessions for financial aid and adult learners. The open house will feature a new segment called “Conversations by Division” beginning at 6 p.m. Guests will be assigned to a separate meet-and-greet based on their intended major, led by division teams. Each divisional conversation will be followed by a short question-and-answer session and then a student panel discussion. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions at (413) 552-2321 or [email protected].

 

Writer, Essayist to Speak

Nov. 5: Anne Fadiman, a writer, essayist, and author whose first book, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, won her a National Critics Book Circle Award, will visit the region as part of the Ovations series, sponsored by the Chicopee Savings Bank Endowment for Academic Excellence, the STCC Office of Academic Affairs, and the STCC Honors Program. There will two performances, at 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., in Scibelli Hall. Both are free and open to the public. The Washington Post called Fadiman’s book “an intriguing, spirit-lifting, extraordinary exploration.” The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down tells the story of Lia Lee, the daughter of Hmong immigrants from Laos, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1981. What follows is the story of a clash of cultures as well as an examination of the U.S. healthcare system. The book is often taught in university literary journalism courses across the country and serves as a casebook for cross-cultural sensitivity. Fadiman also is the author of Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader and At Large and at Small: Familiar Essays. She currently resides in Whately and is a professor of English and writing mentor at Yale University. For additional information about the Ovations series, contact Philip O’Donoghue at (413) 755-4233 or [email protected].

 

Employment Law and Human Resources Practices Update

Nov. 8: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast will stage its annual Employment Law and Human Services Practices Update at the Holyoke Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Holiday Inn). The conference, sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, will address the challenging state and federal legal and regulatory environment for employers, and present practical solutions and information to guide employers in their day-to-day employment decisions. The conference is designed for all levels of management — executives, corporate counsel, human-resource professionals, managers, and supervisors — who need practical and timely information to help negotiate ever-evolving employment issues. Conference presenters will include Joel Berner, chief of Enforcement for the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination; Charles Krich, principal attorney for the Connecticut Human Rights Organization; attorney Elaine Reall; and attorneys from Skoler Abbott & Presser, P.C., and EANE. For more information, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444.

 

40 Under Forty Reunion

Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program at the Log Cabin Banquet & meeting House inn Holyoke. The event, open only to 40 Under Forty winners, event judges, and sponsors, will begin at 5:30 and feature a talk from Peter Straley, president of Health New England, about leadership and community involvement. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Opinion

By
Opinion
Not All Jobs Are Created Equal

We heard the presidential candidates discuss their views again at the most recent debate, and it is clear that they agree on at least one thing: jobs and job-creation policies are critical to the future of the economy. Yet, like many politicians, policy makers, and pundits, the candidates continue to gloss over what both men certainly know to be true: not all jobs are created equal.

Based on our work at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, we see two clear and distinct routes to new job creation.

There are small and medium-sized companies created to offer traditional goods and services to a local or regional market. Think ‘mom-and-pop’ operations. They include your yoga studio and the pizza place down the street. While valuable to the economy in general, these companies are not large enough to serve as a growth engine for the entire economy. They do, however, offer important opportunities for employment and provide valuable services.

The other route to job creation comes from exploiting new technological advances to create businesses that aim to compete in a global market. Think of a large pharmaceutical company or biotech firm.

Both small companies and innovation-driven enterprises create jobs, but the types and numbers of jobs they create are remarkably different.

Small businesses are a vital part of our economy, particularly for individuals with relatively lower levels of education and skills. They give people the opportunity to work independently and to use their skills, particularly in times when large, established companies are laying off workers. Unfortunately, many small businesses employ only the founder and spouse or just a handful of workers. These companies create jobs, but they typically provide lower-than-average wages and poor benefits.

Contrast these companies with the innovation-driven enterprises. These companies seek to address global markets — offering goods and services based on some kind of substantial innovation linked to a clear understanding of a specific market.

These companies generally employ individuals with high levels of education and training. New biotechnology companies, for example, are usually founded, led, and staffed by physicians or individuals with MBAs or PhDs in molecular biology. As these companies grow, they also create a wealth of high-quality, auxiliary employment for those with lower skills — laboratory technicians, manufacturing staff, hospital workers, etc. The Massachusetts governor’s office has calculated that for every high-level biotechnology job created, five lower-level jobs are also created.

Yet politicians and policy makers often fail to make a distinction between jobs created by small ‘mom-and-pop’ enterprises and innovation-driven enterprises. It is a critical mistake. They are different, and the policies to support them differ.

Small-business creation is an important part of job creation, but it is only a part of what is needed to create large transformations in the economy. Innovation-driven companies generate many more new jobs and exports than small business.

If job creation and economic prosperity are the goals, innovation-driven entrepreneurship must be a major element of government strategy and policymaking. Not all jobs are created equal, and we need both kinds of companies in order to create the vibrant economy both candidates are seeking and voters are demanding. As a result, separate and equitable organizations need to be set up, with different programs and mindsets. From training programs and tax incentives to business accelerators and mentoring activities, entrepreneurial support programs must be designed differently for innovation-driven enterprises and small-business entrepreneurs.

Policies and politicians who lump both sorts of entrepreneurs together are likely to fail. Going forward, both candidates need to address job creation in a way that recognizes the distinction between the two types of organizations.

 

Bill Aulet is managing director at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Fiona Murray is faculty director of the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship and professor of Management of Technology at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• Oct. 26: Super 60 Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Chez Josef in Agawam. The chamber’s annual event recognizes the top 60 companies in both revenue and growth. This has always been a well-anticipated event that draws roughly 500-600 people. Presenting sponsor is Health New England. Guest speakers are Stanley Kowalski III, owner and founder of FloDesign Inc., and state Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Greg Bialecki, who will show how government and private industry can work together successfully in this environment. Cost is $50 for members, $70 for non-members. Reservations can be made online at www.myonlinechamber.com, or by emailing Cecile Larose at [email protected].

• Nov. 7: Chamber’s Business@Breakfast, at Ludlow Country Club, Tony Lema Drive in Ludlow. Registration begins at 7 a.m., the buffet opens at 7:30, and the program begins at 7:55. Guest Speaker is Tony Cignoli, who will be giving a recap of the elections. Coffee Bar Sponsor is Reminder Publications. Salutes will be given to Reminder Publications on its 50th anniversary and Columbia Gas on its 165th anniversary. Cost to attend is $20 for chamber members and $30 for non-chamber members. Reservations should be made in advance at www.myonlinechamber.com, by faxing information to (413) 755-1322, or by e-mailing Cecile Larose at [email protected]. Sponsorships are still available. Contact Larose at (413) 755-1313 if you are interested.

Nov. 29: Government Reception, at Storrowton Tavern on the Eastern States Exposition grounds. Sponsors for this event are Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Verizon, Baystate Health, and Western Mass. Electric Co. Tickets are $50 for members and $70 for non-members. To make reservations, go online to www.myonlinechamber.com, e-mail Cecile Larose at [email protected], or fax your reservation to (413) 755-1322. Sponsorships are available. Contact Cecile Larose if you are interested.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• Nov. 14: Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce November Salute Breakfast, from 7:15 to 9 a.m., Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Speakers are state Sen. Senator Gail Candaras and state Rep. Joseph Wagner. Among the topics they will address are transportation and gaming. Cost is $20 for members and $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• Oct. 22: Celebrity Bartenders Night 2012, from 6-9 p.m. at the Opa-Opa Steakhouse & Brewery, 169 College Highway, Southampton. Join us for a night of fun with local celebrities mixing your drinks. Your tips benefit the chamber’s holiday lighting fund. Raffles and more fun. Admission is free.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• Nov. 14: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Eighty Jarvis Restaurant, Holyoke. This Business networking event includes a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, and a bake sale. Local accountants and lawyers may attend this event as the chamber’s guests at no charge. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Nov. 15: SBA Business Plan Basics Seminar, 9-11 a.m., at the chamber offices. This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. Presented by Allen Kronick of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. Cost is $40, which includes a continental breakfast. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• Nov. 29: SBA Marketing Basics Seminar, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the chamber offices. This workshop will focus on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research — primary, secondary, qualitative, and quantitative. The core focus will be on developing and keeping a customer. Topics will include advertising, public relations, and the importance of developing a marketing plan. Presented by Dianne Doherty, director of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. Cost is $40, which includes a light lunch. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register, or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Nov. 2: Health Insurance Info Session, 8-10 a.m.

• Nov. 7: Networking Training Session, 4:15-5 p.m. at the Northampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect St., Northampton, prior to the Arrive@5.

• Nov. 7: Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m. at the Northampton Survival Center, 265 Prospect St., Northampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsored by Masiello Employment Services, Webber & Grinnell Insurance, and Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

PROFESSIONAL WOMENS CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

• Nov. 14: November Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Max’s Tavern, Springfield, at the

Basketball Hall of Fame, MassMutual Room. Guest speaker is Lynn Ostrowski of Health New England. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

 

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shchamber.com

(413) 532-6451

 

• Nov. 14: Economic Summit, 8-9:30 a.m. at Mount Holyoke College. Guest speaker is James Hartley, professor of Economics, who will talk on current state of the economy. Cost is $15 per person for breakfast. RSVP to [email protected] or call (413) 532-6451.

• Nov. 30: Holiday Party, 5-7 p.m. Sponsor: Village Eye Care. Cost: $5 per person.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

 

• Nov. 1: Food Fest West, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Crestview Country Club, Agawam. This is a chance for local Pioneer Valley Restaurants to highlight their culinary expertise. Restaurants participating include Lattitude, Nadim’s Downtown, and Chez Josef, among others. There will be approximately 15 restaurants participating in this year’s event. This year’s presenting sponsor is Western Massachusetts Electric Co. Tickets are $25 for chamber members and for anyone who pays in advance, and $30 at the door. Proceeds raised by the event go to support the chamber’s Educational Fund and the Business Education Grant Program.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• Nov. 5: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road. An open forum with Mayor Daniel Knapik, free and open to the public. To register, call Pam at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].

• Nov. 14: Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 6-9 p.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Salute the Business Leader of the Year, Jeffrey Daley, city advancement officer. Guest speaker will be state Sen. Michael Knapik. Platinum sponsor: Westfield State University; Gold sponsors: First Niagara and Noble Hospital; Silver sponsors: Berkshire Bank and Savage Arms. Cost: $45 for members; $50 for non-members. To register, call Pam at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail [email protected].

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

MGM Resorts Opens Springfield Office

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International has opened an office in downtown Springfield, at 1441 Main St., the TD Bank Building. An opening reception was staged on Oct. 9. “The opening of our community office in Springfield is an important and exciting milestone for MGM Springfield,” said Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s chief marketing officer. “MGM Springfield is about helping to create a better future for an entire city, and to do that we want our neighbors to have convenient access to our team so they may get all of the information they want about our proposal.”The MGM Springfield Community Office was opened so neighbors, residents, and the local business community may easily come and go while visiting downtown, said Hornbuckle. The community is invited to stop in and learn more about the company and the proposed development in Springfield, and get answers to any questions as well as offer any thoughts and suggestions they may have regarding MGM’s proposal and the economic benefits it would bring to Springfield. “Springfield is a great city worthy of an even greater future, and MGM Resorts International wants to be a part of that future,” he said. The MGM Springfield Community Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

Creative Strategy Agency Relocates Downtown

SPRINGFIELD — The Creative Strategy Agency, a digital-marketing agency, recently moved its office location to the former 19th-century hotel located at 1242 Main St. in downtown Springfield. “Moving our office to downtown Springfield was a logical business decision,” said Alfonso Santaniello, president and CEO. “We are heavily involved in the local community, and it made sense to move our space to the heart of it all.”  The Creative Strategy Agency specializes in web, mobile, and video marketing strategies.

 

PeoplesBank Invests in Hampshire County Regional Chamber

NORTHAMPTON – The founding board of the Hampshire County Regional Chamber recently announced that PeoplesBank has come on board as a key financial supporter, offering a $30,000 investment over two years. In addition, Tom Senecal, executive vice president and chief financial officer for PeoplesBank, will be joining the founding board. “We are encouraged that Tom and PeoplesBank think that a regional chamber is the best approach for taking on the economic challenges of our region, and we are grateful for their support,” said Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the interim director for the Regional Chamber. “PeoplesBank has a strong reputation as a bank that invests generously in key regional initiatives. This is a prime example of that type of investment. They are putting a significant amount of money into an initiative that gears Hampshire County to have a greater presence and greater profile within the region.” Said Senecal, “PeoplesBank has a strong commitment to the communities we serve. We were supportive of the initial study on a regional chamber, and in investing in the initiative, we hope for improvements in the local economy, which we think a regional chamber can bring to the area. Economic growth will occur if more businesses develop a regional viewpoint; we need a business outlook that is more comprehensive than one restricted by political or community boundaries. We’re a regional economy, and, therefore, a business outlook generated by a regional chamber makes a lot of sense.” Beck said that, with the investment from PeoplesBank, the Regional Chamber has now raised 42% of its $400,000 startup goal.

 

Westfield State Summer Program Wins Regional Award

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University’s summer program “Westfield Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)” has been honored with the Innovative and Creative Program Award by the University Professional and Continuing Education Assoc. (UPCEA). “Engaging students during the summer can be challenging. Our CSI program provides a unique educational opportunity whose content is topical, timely, and doesn’t feel like learning,” said Kim Tobin, dean of Graduate and Continuing Education. “This award is really a recognition of the faculty and staff who work hard throughout the year to provide a high-quality educational experience for our students.” In its second year, Westfield CSI is an interactive, two-week-long residential program for students entering their freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school. Students work in small teams to solve a fictional murder case by using forensic science, criminal-justice techniques, and crime-scene-investigation technology. While the program revolves around solving crimes, there is also a college-preparatory component. Each weekday, students attend classes that teach them skills related to the college search, including essay writing, choosing the right college and major, and even tips on living away from home for those who are nervous about living on their own for the first time. In addition to classroom learning about CSI technology, students perform investigative laboratory work. This lab work is divided into four separate stations: using a microscope to examine forensic materials, creating crime scenes using a computer and a PowerPoint on what is done during an autopsy, fingerprinting, and fuming the prints and suspect identification. At the end of the program, each team submits reports on its findings. Each report is evaluated on specific elements of the case, and prizes are awarded to the winning teams. “What makes this program different is that teens in the community get to explore a side of criminal justice and investigation that very few people, law-enforcement professionals included, are able to experience,” said Meaghan Arena, summer programs coordinator. Arena will accept the award at the 2012 UPCEA New England Conference at the Cliff House Resort in Ogunquit, Maine on Oct. 25. Fellow program organizer Jessica Tanesey and Westfield CSI instructors Robert Stering and John Sterson will also attend. Westfield CSI is now in the running for the national award in the same category, which will be announced in March.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Three Pitches Accepted by Valley Venture Mentors

SPRINGFIELD — Three out of five ventures to pitch to Valley Venture Mentors have been accepted into the six-month program, which recently added separate tracks to handle the rising number of new and mature startups seeking services from the organization. PeopleHedge, based in Boston and Chicago, was represented by co-founder Damon Magnuski. The company simplifies the process of managing currency risk by allowing customers to select an exchange date, currency pair, and protection amount. InsideOut Solar was represented by co-founder Gregory Margolis. The company was formed by three Mechanical Engineering students at UMass Amherst. They have designed, built, and are testing a solar space-heating panel that slides easily into a standard home window, similar to an air-conditioning unit.Tinville (the Industry Network Village), based in Woburn and pitched by founder Disraeli Abreu, intends to become the premier fashion marketplace for startup and established independent designers. Tinville aims to create an interactive e-commerce site where each designer can host his or her own boutique. All users of Tinville.com will create a custom account on the site; however, fans of the label will have the opportunity to follow, shop at, and receive notifications from their favorite independent designers’ stores. The startups have been accepted into VVM with the expectation that they will successfully complete the accelerator track in six months and graduate to the mentor track, which was recently added to accommodate the rising number of mature ventures who still desire support and mentoring assistance.

 

Three Casino Companies to Vie for City’s Support

SPRINGFIELD — Three casino developers — Ameristar, MGM Resorts, and Penn National — met an Oct. 11 deadline to submit a formal proposal and a $50,000 fee to the city of Springfield. They will now compete for the city’s support in pursuit of casino-development rights in Western Mass. Each company has proposed a gaming resort development approaching $1 billion. Hard Rock International, which had expressed interest in Springfield and explored real estate downtown, did not submit a proposal. The 2011 state casino law allots one resort casino license to Western Mass. In addition to the Springfield projects, Mohegan Sun has proposed a resort in Palmer. On Oct. 11, PennNational released some details and an architect’s rendering for an $807 million gaming complex to be built in the city’s North End. The proposal calls for 3,000 to 3,500 slot machines, poker rooms, up to 100 live table games, and a hotel with 300 to 500 rooms. There would also be restaurants, a spa, a parking garage, and up to 45,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. The proposed 13.4-acre site includes the headquarters for the Republican newspaper and the current home of Peter Pan Bus Lines.

 

SBA Loan Volume Remains High

WASHINGTON — With loan volume steadily increasing for the past six quarters, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s loan programs posted the second-largest dollar volume ever in FY 2012, supporting $30.35 billion in loans to small businesses. That amount was surpassed only by FY 2011, which was heavily boosted by the loan incentives under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. In Massachusetts, under SBA’s two flagship lending programs, the 7(a) General Business Loan program and the 504 Certified Development Co. program, loan approvals supported 1,846 businesses with more than $670 million, said Bob Nelson, Massachusetts SBA district director. This ranks Massachusetts fifth out of 68 MBA offices nationwide for total loans approved under 7(a) and 504 combined for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. The totals for 2012 nationwide include 44,377 loans, $15.5 billion approved under the 7(a) program and $15.09 billion under the 504 program.

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.

 

AGAWAM

 

Robinson Park Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Inc., 65 Begley St., Agawam, MA 01001. Kathy St. Pierre, 30 Tom St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Will be operated exclusively to support the education of the children at Robinson Park Elementary School.

 

Tada Holdings Inc., 218 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA 01001. Donna Cyr, 378 Halladay Ave. East, Suffield, CT. 06078. Hair salon and real estate.

 

AMHERST

 

New England Grove Educational Services Inc., 120 Pulpit Hill Road, #29, Amherst, MA 01002. Gina Simm, same. Educational services.

 

BRIMFIELD

 

Veterinary Specialty Centers Inc., 311 Brookfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Paul McCarthy, 311 Brookline Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Veterinary services.

 

CHICOPEE

 

Yogurt City I Inc., 530 Memorial Dr., Unit C, Chicopee, MA 01020. Tao Lin, same. Yogurt and ice cream shop.

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Quercus Brokerage Inc., 265 Millbrook Dr. East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Thomas Kay, same. Sales.

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

New Outriders Inc., 142 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA 01027. James Witmer, 140 North Main St., Florence, MA 01062. Operate a club to promote the development and enjoyment of online computer games.

 

Nini’s License Corporation, 124 Cottage St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Aristide Giovanni Daniele, 17 David St., Southampton, MA 01073. Restaurants.

 

FEEDING HILLS

 

Nine Four Two Corporation, 942 North West St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Robert Sands, same. Purchase and sales of art and collectibles.

 

HADLEY

 

 

Public Education Policy Institute Inc., 245 Russel St., #15D, Hadley, MA 01035. Deborah Keisch Polin, 40 School St., Northampton, MA 01060. Support the fight for universal public education.

 

INDIAN ORCHARD

 

Village Keepers Adult Day Health Services Inc., 47 Braywood Circle, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Cynthia Brown-Clemons, same. Adult day health services.

 

LONGMEADOW

 

Pioneer Neurology and Sleep P.C., 785 Williams St., Suite 324, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Rani Athreay MD., 36 Quinnehtuk Circle, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Neurology Services.

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Solution Insulation Inc., 49 Bridge St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Shawn Mitchell, same. Sale and insulation of commercial and industrial mechanical insulation and energy conservation.

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Mountain Laurel Inc., 425 Springfield St. Springfield, MA 01107. Scott Sphon, 46 Davison Road, Moodus, CT 06469. Franchise convenience store.

 

RNL Unlimited Inc., 469 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Richard Labrie, same.  Dance instruction.

 

Seventh Day of God Number One, 229 Oak Grove Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Fredrick Murray, 34 Westernview St., Springfield, MA 01108. Religious activities, community outreach, etc.

 

Zas Enterprises Inc., 910 State St., Springfield, MA 01105. Mohammad Islam, 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. To own and operate a convenience store.

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Pride of New England Transport Inc., 1903 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Ummat Lomanov, same. Transportation.

 

 

DOING BUSINESS AS CERTIFICATES

 

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of October 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Berkshire Athletic Development

77 Cecile St.

Brian Regnier

 

Mass Movers & More

377 South West St.

Gregory Bassett

 

North Atlantic Trucking Co.

20 Conifer Dr.

James Craven

 

True Star Cleaning

69 Parker St.

Christine Bertoncelli

 

CHICOPEE

 

Civro Enterprises LLC

95 Elcon Dr.

Angel Civro

 

Fedora’s Custom Building & Home Improvement

24 Arnold Ave.

Christopher Federa

 

Gracie’s Cleaning Service

155 State St.

Grazyna Syrek

 

Paul Teehan Insulation Company

28 Slate Road

Paul Teehan

 

Smile 4 Me Gifts and Services

144 Horseshoe Dr.

Victor Lopez

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Dance Inc.

168 Denslow Road

Julie R. Szymanski

 

Duets Salon for Hair & Nails

42 Harkness Ave.

Laura M. DeLuca

 

Hampden Hearing Center

200 North Main St.

Susan B. Chunyk

 

M. Scott Investments Inc.

94 Maple St.

Michael S. Poggi

 

Redstone Rehab & Nursing Center

135 Benton Dr.

Alberto A. Lugo

 

GREENFIELD

 

Carolyn’s Critter & Cottage Care

126 Elm St.

Carolyn Gabriel

 

Community Yoga & Wellness Center

16 Federal St.

Susan Peck

 

Doggie Dipst Clips

278 Federal St.

Karen M. Baker

 

Greenfield Family Wellness

34 Glenbrook Dr.

Katherine Golub

 

Homedic

14 Graves Road

Aleksandr Agapov

 

Nelo

306 High St.

Jefferies Anderson

 

Shape & Nature Press

76 Hastings St.

Maria Williams-Russell

 

Transcendental Meditation Program for Women

277 Main St.

Sheila Moschen

 

HOLYOKE

 

MD Beauty Salon and Supply

396 High St.

Marie Ferrer

 

Revista Antorcha

26 Forestdale Ave.

Arnaldo Garcia

 

Union Mart

297 Appremont Highway

Ghulam Safeer

 

LUDLOW

 

Communicare LLC

360 Sewall St.

Merissa Hall

 

Vibrant Message

322 West Ave.

Meaghan Murphy

 

PALMER

 

Dynamic Coating Solutions

21 Wilbraham St.

John C. Becker IV

 

Fit Club

21 Wilbraham Road

Jessica Francis

 

Labonte Self Storage

256 Wilbraham St.

Eva Labonte

 

Lazy Lady Farms

60 Olney Road

Paul Lukaskiewicz

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Aaron’s

1275 Liberty St.

Ray Simmons

 

Action Center for College

1 Armory Square

Bob Giannino-Racine

 

Bezalel Prophetic Art

1676 Carew St.

Triny E. Vargas

 

Botanica Chango Gifts

21 Rutland St.

Nelson Ramirez

 

Clean Green Cleaning Service

12 Myrtle St.

Danielle R. Reeves

 

Cross-Spectrum Laboratories

114 Sunnybrook Road

Herbert Singleton Jr.

 

Eastern Ave Market

264 Eastern Ave.

Juleidy Almanzar

 

Falls Fruit and Vegetable

1003 St. James Ave.

Isam Mohamed

 

Forastiere Funeral Home

45 Locust St.

Forastiere Family

 

Gator Financial and Insurance

63 Green Lane

Woodgett Walter

 

Gerardo Car Limo Service

626 Carew St.

Charles F. Pimental

 

Hanger Clinic

1985 Main St.

Hanger Prosthetics

 

International Health Solutions

604 Cottage St.

Margarita Blater

 

WESTFIELD

 

Able Welding

3 Progress Ave.

Patrick Martin

 

Aleksandr Verbetsky Photographer

3 Cross St.

Aleksandr Verbetsky

 

Gigi Pizza Inc.

358 Southwick Road

Yauqoob Mohammed

 

Justice for Thomas

12 Deep Wood Dr.

Natalie Avery

 

The Batter’s Box LLC

170 Lockhouse Road

Timothy Kelleher

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Baron Auto Sales

195 River St.

Timothy Roberts

 

Chavez Construction

43 Roanoke Ave.

Andres Chavez

 

Fathers & Sons Audi

989 Memorial Ave.

Damon S. Cartelli