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ADDY Awards

The Advertising Club of Western Mass. staged its annual ADDY Awards on March 18 at CityStage. A total of 141 entries were received from 31 agencies, companies, and individuals in Western Mass., and 32% of the entrants received awards. Above, Rob and Damia Stewart of Rob & Damia Design receive their award for Best in Show (for ‘Transit Authority Figures Poster Campaign’) from Barbara Perry, Ad Club president. At left, Amy Scribner, assistant vice president and senior marketing administrator for Hampden Bank, accepts an ADDY from Perry for one of the bank’s 2009 ad campaigns.

Safety First

Jewish Geriatric Services (JGS) was recently recognized with the 2009 Leadership in Safety Award by CNA HealthPro, a leading health care insurer. The award honors an organization with a commitment to patient/resident safety and a leadership team that consistently demonstrates efforts to improve the quality and safety of care services. It was presented by Bruce Dmytrow, vice president of CNA Global Specialty Lines, to JGS leadership and senior staff. Representatives of FieldEddy Insurance, partners in this effort, also attended. Pictured are, from left, FieldEddy representatives Kevin Munsell, Teresa Petit de Mange, and Executive Vice President Timothy Marini; Alan Rosenfeld, JGS president and CEO; Linda Donoghue, JGS COO and CNO; Dmytrow; Martha Finkel-Ceppetelli, vice chairman of the JGS board of directors; Mary Ryan, CNA risk introduction consultant; and Michael Hurwitz, chairman of the JGS board of directors.

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Greening the Valley

Through May 9: For the first time in the region, a landmark exhibition on sustainable, contemporary architecture and environmentally sensitive building practices will take place at the University Gallery, Fine Arts Center, UMass Amherst. “Greening the Valley” is designed to deepen the public’s understanding and use of ‘green’ design, while demonstrating that the key elements of sustainability can be accessible to all. Through models, photographs, and virtual tours, the exhibition unites diverse works from large-scale science buildings to private residences, low-income housing, and intimate gardens of natural inspiration. For more information, visit www.umass.edu/fac/universitygallery.

Communication and Leadership Conference

April 7: Local professionals and students will have the chance to network with and learn from leaders in business and media during Western New England College’s Communication and Leadership Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the main campus in Springfield. The conference features a variety of workshops that will help participants improve their leadership skills and better promote their messages. The conference kicks off with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield’s April Breakfast Club meeting, featuring the results of a WNEC Polling Institute market survey on the image of Springfield. Following the breakfast, participants will choose from a range of workshops designed to sharpen skills, explore new technologies, and network with fellow professionals. Conference fees (including breakfast and lunch) are $140 for business professionals, $120 for members of nonprofits, and $70 for students. To register or for more information, call (413) 782-1249 or visit www.wnec.edu/communications.

Marketing Basics

April 7: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will host a workshop titled “Marketing Basics” from 9 to 11 a.m. in the TD Bank community room, 175 Main St., Northampton. The 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. The cost is $35. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.  

Shining Stars Awards Banquet

April 9: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will honor the recipients of the prestigious Shining Stars Awards at its annual event at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive. This is the premier event of the year for the Chicopee business community. For more information on reservations and sponsorships, call (413) 594-2101 or visit www.chicopeechamber.org.

Master of Management Program Day

April 10: Cambridge College-Springfield will host a Master of Management Program Day beginning at 9 a.m. at 570 Cottage St., Springfield. Participants are invited to attend a Master of Management class and learn about the blended-learning format in which classroom attendance one weekend per month is supplemented with online discussions. The event is free and open to the public. To register or for more information, call (800) 829-4723, ext. 6623, or e-mail [email protected].   

Social Media Plan

April 15: “The Small Business Experience/Creating a Social Media Plan” is the theme of a morning workshop hosted by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The workshop will be presented by Derek Allard of Gravity Switch in Northampton and Shalini Bahl of iAM Business Consulting of Amherst, and is planned from 9 a.m. to noon at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield.  Highlights of the day include developing a social-media plan based on one’s business purpose, social-media purpose, target audience, and resources. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.   

CloudCamp Western Mass.

April 20: CloudCamp Western Mass. will be conducted at the National Science Foundation-funded ICT Center at Springfield Technical Community College from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cloud computing is a new generation of technology that uses a shared pool of remote, configurable computing resources. The event provides a chance to meet, discuss, share ideas, and advance knowledge and understanding of cloud computing. Developers, decision makers, end users, and vendors from New England are invited to participate in the event. Show organizers are CloudCamp co-founder Dave Nielsen, the ICT Center, and TNR Global. For more information, visit www.ictcenter.org or www.stcc.edu.   

Twitter & Blogs

April 22: Derek Allard of Gravity Switch in Northampton will present a workshop titled “Twitter & Blogs” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Allard will discuss the basics — what they are, why to use them, and how to get started. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.  

LinkedIn & Facebook

April 29: Derek Allard of Gravity Switch in Northampton will present a workshop titled “LinkedIn & Facebook” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Allard will discuss the basics — what they are, why to use them, and how to get started. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Women’s Leadership Conference

April 30: “Community Matters” is the theme of Bay Path College’s 15th annual Women’s Leadership Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Guest speakers will include Soledad O’Brien, television broadcast correspondent and host of CNN’s In America series; Leigh Anne and Collins Tuohy, inspirational mother and daughter from the Oscar-nominated film and book The Blind Side; Somaly Mam, human-rights advocate and author of The Road of Lost Innocence; and Nicholas Kristof, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the New York Times and co-author of the bestselling book Half the Sky. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.  Early-bird registration is by April 10; the cost is $250 for the general public or $225 for Bay Path alumni.

Evening of Hope Gala

May 8: The American Cancer Society’s 2010 Evening of Hope Gala will be staged at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel from 6 p.m. to midnight. The black-tie affair will include a formal dinner, dancing, and silent auction. For more information, contact Regina Pattison at (802) 257-8908 or e-mail [email protected].

Deliver Perfect Pitch

May 12: Learn concrete and easy-to-master tools to help you in every sales situation no matter what the environment or what you sell during “Deliver the Perfect Pitch,” 9 to 11 a.m., at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Sheldon Snodgrass of www.steadysales.com, Williamsburg, will be the presenter. The program is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. Cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Business Plan Basics

May 20: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will host “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Amherst Town Hall, first-floor meeting room, 4 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals, from start-up considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $35. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.  

Joomla! Workshop

May 26: Tamar Schanfeld of TnR Global Joomla! Services of Greenfield will present a daylong boot camp on creating an interactive Web site for small business. The workshop is planned from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Topics include ‘learn to plan your site,’ ‘enter and edit content and menus,’ and ‘install extensions.’ Comfort with Microsoft Word and an Internet browser is required. The workshop does not include e-commerce or shopping-cart features. The cost is $75. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

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Departments

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

Allen, Lisa L.
a/k/a Whaley, Lisa L.
930 Conant Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/10

Alves, Domingos G.
Alves, Izilda
33 Haswell Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Anderson, Dwayne R.
170 East Park Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Arce, Juan F.
60 Hobson St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Barnett, Tracie A.
35 Indian Leap St., Apt. 5
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Bedard, Conrad E.
75 Pleasant St.
Apt. B-203
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Bergeron, Kenneth Allen
73 Hadley Village Road, Unit A
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Boudreau, Mark A.
Boudreau, Brenda L.M.
547 Radcliffe St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Brenton, Carolyn E.
61 Abbey Memorial Dr.
Park Place Condos
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Brooks, Agnes E.
229 Miller St., G-9
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Brownstein, Bruce Michael
41 Lillian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/10

Bruce, Joya
1039 Berkshire Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Camilleri, Richard P.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Carney, Gerald
18 Heritage Dr.
Bourne, MA 02532
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Cessarini, Mark P.
123 Shaine Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Chaffee 3rd Gen Plumbing
Chaffee, Dennis Bradford
Miller-Chaffee, Ingrid L.
10 Country Club Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/101

Chagnon, Christopher N.
88 Oakland St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Chagnon, Theresa V.
15A Elm Ter.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Charron, Debbie V.
101 Prospect St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Charron, Norman L.
101 Prospect St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Chest, Erica N.
101 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Choiniere, Mark A.
Choiniere, Pamela J.
a/k/a Cortis, Pamela
304 Springdale Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Clary, Edward F.
148 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Courchesne, Craig Allen
1604 Westover Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/10

Coutu, Gregory Allen
Coutu, Shauneen Elizabeth
21 Jewell Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Cruz, Laura
130 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Daughtry, Ronald Lester
76 Ogden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Dewberry, Jerry
126 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Driscoll, Elaine B.
190 Colemore St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Dustin, Thomas D.
Dustin, Beth A
2195 Main St., Apt. A
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/10

Enos, Thomas A.
453 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/14/10

Erickson, Jason C.
200 Lambert Ter. #51
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Exware, Steven
PO Box 225
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/10

Fahey, Eric J.
214 Wisdom Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/04/10

Feuerstein, Derrick P.
72 Barrett St., Unit #215
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Fontaine, Jonathan
44 Gail St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Frusciente, Todd J.
Frusciente, Aimee M.
a/k/a Daniels, Aimee M.
152 Cole Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/10

Garcia, Miguel
491 Bridge Road, Apt. 624
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Gilbert, Deborah A.
19 School St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/15/10

Glace, David Randolph
Hadley at Elaine Care and Rehab Center
20 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Gonzalez, Evangelio
81 Drexel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Green, Ruth S.
627 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360-9686
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Greenlaw, Dorothy M.
5 Albert St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Grover, Terry A.
74 A Lee Lang Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Haecker, Patricia A.
51 Belvidere Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Hall, Kenneth T.
Hall, Jody
47 Anthony St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Hanks, R. Bryant
125 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Harrington, Thomas E.
51 Stratford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/15/10

Hawkins, Christopher A.
376 Fenn St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Healy, Daniel J.
64 Circular Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/10

Hennessey, Eileen A.
32 Roosevelt Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

  

Keefe, James W.
222 River Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Keefe, Kelly L.
27 Eastern Ave.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Kenniston, Steven William
25 Hemingway Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/10

Khawaja, Muhammad Yousaf
55 Van Deen Ave., APT #B
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Kirk, Thomas E.
Kirk, Lara T.
159 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/10

Koldys, Wendy L.
P.O. Box 358
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Kozcial, Francisco
Kozcial, Helena
158 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Kozik, Michael D.
Kozik, Kelly L.
a/k/a Dickinson, Kelly L.
9 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/10

Lancto, Anita A.
269 Chicopee St., Unit 9
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Langer, Kirk Alfred
240 East Road
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/10

LaViolette, James G.
LaViolette, Andrea E.
951 New Braintree Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/10

LeMay, Lorraine E.
103 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Marotta, Brian C.
238 Francis Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Mavredakis, Spiro George
14 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

McCarthy, Julie A.
92 Fiske Hill Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

McMakin, William F.
17 Pleasant St., Apt. 306
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Mendrek, John L.
391 Main St., Apt. # 3
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/10

Mix, Christopher A.
837 State St., Apt. 502
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/10

Morrow, Tommie Lee
Morrow, Terri J.
514 Forest Hills Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Mumblo, Yvonne Dale
152 East Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Murray-Harrington, Lana M.
51 Stratford Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/15/10

Paine, Mary E.
17 Spring St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/01/10

Paradise Limousine
Alves, Joaquim
152 Hubbard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Peterson, Cheryl Lee
54 Prospect St.
P.O. Box 730
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Piedra, Ricardo A.
7 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/10

Pouliot, Brandon P.
Pouliot, Amber Lee
a/k/a St. Jean, Amber Lee
941 General Knox Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Powers, Scott C.
195 St. James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Ramos, Terry
10 Spruce St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Rios, Irma
491 Bridge Road, Apt. 636
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Rivera, Jimmy D.
86 Florence St., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Rodrigues, Antonio V.
Rodrigues, Graciete F.
117 Americo St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/10

Rodriguez, Jose D.
Rivera, Flora R.
18 Hartley St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/15/10

Rodriguez, Maria M.
139 Penrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Rodriguez, Rafael
127 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105-1408
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Sanchez, Eliezer
Sanchez, Maria
611 Bay St.
Springfied, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Santana, Maria Isabel
136 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/10

Santiago, Estela
41 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/10

Shapoval, Lilia
73 Beaumont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/02/10

Shortsleeve, Michael A.
Shortsleeve, Vera A.
17 Nourse Lane
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/10

Smith, Catherine H.
51 Marlborough St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/10

Smith, Martin C.
Smith, Donna
2386 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/10

Sudyka, Dean
Sudyka, Brenda
8 Berwyn St. Ext.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Swinesburg, Erika A.
185 New Ludlow Road, Apt. 320
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Taylor, Kurt
50 Russellville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/10

Testagrossa, Linda M.
1764 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/07/10

Total Image
Rose, William A.
340 Westhampton Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

Troche, Yaritzi
a/k/a Pabon, Yaritzi
18 Little Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/10

White, Paul W.
31 Sunset Ter.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/10

Williams, Gloria W.
197 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/02/10

Zomek, Kevin D.
112 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/10

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Business Group Formed to Advance Springfield School Reform

SPRINGFIELD — Representatives of the business community have come together to launch Springfield Business Leaders for Education (SBLE) to advocate for public policy and school reforms that aims to raise student achievement in Springfield. In the fall of 2009, Nick Fyntrilakis of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) and John Davis, trustee of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, convened the first of several meetings among a broad cross-section of business people to discuss a possible role for the Springfield business community in advancing meaningful educational policy reform in Springfield. The Mass. Business Alliance for Education, a business organization leading similar efforts statewide, provided technical and policy expertise to the group. These meetings have led to the recent formation of Springfield Business Leaders for Education. According to a joint statement by Fyntrilakis and Davis, “the business community should play a crucial role in supporting the education of Springfield’s children. Springfield Business Leaders for Education can help engage the business community in addressing education issues and challenges in Springfield. This diverse group of business leaders understands the critical role education plays in workforce development and the economic vitality of our region. The goal of our advocacy is to support local, state, and federal education policy and reform that leads to academic and life success for Springfield’s children.” As part of the group’s effort to improve educational outcomes, member organizations of SBLE are underwriting a leadership program developed specifically for members of the Springfield School Committee by the nationally known Center for Reform of School Systems (CRSS). School Committee members have been invited to participate in the two-year leadership program designed and facilitated by CRSS and highlighted by a kickoff retreat to be held in Lee on March 19-21. Mayor Domenic Sarno, School Committee chairman, has agreed to participate in the leadership training and retreat, and SBLE is urging all members of the School Committee to attend the initial March weekend session and follow-up program. CRSS will continue to host leadership-development sessions with members of the Springfield School Committee over a two-year period. As part of the CRSS school-leadership program, Springfield School Committee members will also have an opportunity over the course of the two-year program to meet and work with representatives of other high-performing districts from around the country. SBLE is open to all within the business community committed to engaging on critical education policy initiatives and reforms that will improve education in Springfield, making the city a model urban school system.

Business Confidence Declines for First Time in Seven Months

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 1.7 points in February to 44.1, breaking a string of seven consecutive monthly increases. The drop reinforces the point that the state has to expect a protracted and halting recovery process, according to Raymond G. Torto, global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors. The general trend is upward, but progress has been slow over the past five months, and recent news of unemployment claims increasing indicates the state is still some distance from robust growth, added Torto. The February AIM Index was up 10.8 points from February 2009, its all-time low (33.3), but off 6.1 points over two years and 15.1 over three years. The highest reading in its 18-year history was 68.5, attained on two occasions in 1997-98. The Current Index, assessing overall conditions at the time of the survey, was off 1.6 points in February to 40.0, while the Future Index of prospects for six months ahead shed 1.5 points to 48.4 — its first setback since June. The Massachusetts Index of conditions within the state lost three points in February to 37.7, as the U.S. Index of national conditions fell 3.8 points to 36.7. Confidence was off sharply in February among manufacturers (down 4.9 to 43.8) but rose among other employers (up 2.5 to 44.4), leaving the two groups at rough parity. Confidence levels remained slightly higher in Greater Boston (45.0, -2.3) than in the rest of the state (42.8, -1.0); small employers were less positive than larger firms about their own situations and prospects. The monthly Business Confidence Index is based on a survey of AIM member-companies across Massachusetts, asking questions about current and prospective business conditions in the state and nation, as well as for respondents’ own operations. On the Index’s 100-point scale, a reading above 50 indicates that the state’s employer community is predominantly optimistic, while a reading below 50 points to a negative assessment of business conditions.

Wilson to End UMass Presidency in 2011

BOSTON — UMass President Jack M. Wilson will conclude his presidency when his current term expires on June 30, 2011. Under his contract, Wilson was asked to make a declaration about his future plans by June 30, 2010. Given that his term runs through June 30, 2011, the University is now positioned to assemble a search and have a successor selected as Wilson’s term expires. Wilson, 64, has led the five-campus UMass system since September 2003. During that time, he has emphasized access and affordability for students, focused on research and innovation, and championed a capital program aimed at providing new facilities and much-needed renovations on all five campuses. Wilson noted he was “particularly proud” that UMass has been able to build enrollment and increase its own spending on financial aid by more than $100 million to ensure that qualified students who want to attend the university will be able to do so. Over the course of the next year, Wilson will consider future opportunities inside and outside of the university. He added that he is looking forward to working with students and working on the technology, innovation, and economic-development issues that have interested him throughout his career as a physicist and educator. “At my core, I am an educator, and I look forward to being able to focus on teaching and to advancing research,” he said.

Manufacturing Seeing Steady Growth

TEMPE, Ariz. — Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in February for the seventh consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 10th consecutive month, according to the latest “Manufacturing ISM Report on Business” from the Institute for Supply Management. The 11 manufacturing industries reporting growth in February were machinery; paper products; apparel, leather, and allied products; computer and electronic products; miscellaneous manufacturing; transportation equipment; textile mills; plastics and rubber products; electrical equipment, appliances, and components; fabricated metal products; and food, beverage, and tobacco products. The five industries reporting contraction in February were wood products, furniture and related products, primary metals, printing and related support activities, and chemical products. Manufacturing continued to grow in February, but the rate of growth decelerated as the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) registered 56.5%, a decrease of 1.9 percentage points when compared to January’s seasonally adjusted reading of 58.4%. A reading above 50% indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50% indicates that it is generally contracting. A PMI in excess of 42% over a period of time generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the PMI indicates growth for the 10th consecutive month in the overall economy, as well as expansion in the manufacturing sector for the seventh consecutive month. The 10 industries reporting growth in new orders in February were plastics and rubber products; machinery; paper products; computer and electronic products; miscellaneous manufacturing; printing and related support activities; transportation equipment; fabricated metal products; electrical equipment, appliances, and components; and food, beverage, and tobacco products. The three industries reporting decreases in new orders in February were wood products, furniture and related products, and chemical products. In related news, the latest “Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business” reports that economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in February for the second consecutive month. The nine industries reporting growth in February based on the NMI composite index were information; arts, entertainment, and recreation; transportation and warehousing; public administration; professional, scientific, and technical services; other services; retail trade; whole trade; and finance and insurance. Also, employment activity in the non-manufacturing sector contracted in February for the 26th consecutive month.

Non-residential and Public Construction Declines

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction spending in January fell by $5.5 billion to $884 billion, its lowest level since June 2003, according to an analysis of new federal figures by the Associated General Contractors of America. Declining investments in private-sector non-residential construction and public construction at all levels of government drove the 0.6% decline, according to the association’s chief economist Ken Simonson. Simonson noted that private non-residential construction spending declined by 2.1% between December and January, and by 20% over the past year. Power construction was the only private non-residential construction category to increase over the past year, by 16%, while most other categories declined by double digits, according to Simonson. Simonson noted that two major categories of federally driven transportation spending — public highway street construction and other transportation construction — increased by 6% and 18%, respectively. In addition, direct federal construction spending increased 1.9% in January and 13% over the past 12 months to a record $31 billion. Federal funding has been giving contractors “the lifeline they need to stay in business,” he added. Many construction jobs are now at risk, noted Simonson, since the federal transportation program expired Feb. 28. Association officials urged Congress to act quickly to renew the program so that construction layoffs and closures do not accelerate.

Retirement in Limbo for Many

NEW YORK — More people say they just don’t have the money to retire these days. According to a recent survey by Careerbuilder.com, a career-resources Web site, 72% of workers over the age of 60 who are putting off retirement are doing so because they can’t afford it. The results from the survey indicate more pessimism than in 2008, when about 60% of retirement-aged workers blamed the economy for delaying retirement, according to Michael Erwin, a senior career advisor at Careerbuilder.com. Fear of retirement is highest among women, added Erwin. According to the survey, some 76% of women said they were not financially secure enough to stop working, compared to 68% of men. Women have good reason to worry because they outlive men, according to Tom Warschauer, a finance professor and director of financial-planning programs at San Diego State University. Women live four to five years longer than men on average, so if men and women save the same amount, women would be less prepared, noted Warschauer. Health care was another major reason for staying employed. About half of those surveyed said they need health insurance and other benefits, especially as the health care debate rages in Washington. Still, a majority of workers said they were “just plain happy” with their jobs. The survey found that 71% of workers said they were postponing retirement because they enjoyed working and didn’t want to leave.

ADP Reports Jobs Recovery on Horizon

NEW YORK — Businesses across the country shed another 18,000 jobs in February, bringing the tally of jobs lost from America’s small businesses to nearly 3 million since February 2008, according to a recently released report by payroll processor ADP. According to ADP, small businesses — those with fewer than 50 workers — were hit hardest last month. Medium-sized businesses, with 50 to 500 employees, added 8,000 net new positions to their ranks. Joel Prakken, chairman of ADP researcher Macroeconomic Advisers, sees a turnaround on the horizon. If the recent trend continues, and given first-quarter GDP growth of 5.9%, private employment could rise next month for the first time in two years, he noted. In related news, a separate employment survey recently released concluded that the nation’s tiniest businesses are already adding workers. Intuit’s first installment of its new, monthly Small Business Employment Index reported that firms with less than 20 employees added nearly 40,000 net new jobs in February — a sharp contrast to the continued job losses ADP reported. Intuit provides payroll services to small businesses, and based its estimate on online data from 50,000 small-business employers. Tiny companies tend to be the first to cut staff when the economy weakens and the first to hire again when it improves.

Jobs Proposal Launched for Construction Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) recently unveiled its 2010 Job Creation Proposal, a wide-ranging package of recommendations that will help to stimulate the construction industry and put Americans back to work. In order to kick-start the lagging economy and put the construction industry back to work, ABC recommends eliminating uncertainty in the business environment by calling on Congress and the administration to focus on free-enterprise initiatives and open competition instead of anti-business legislative and regulatory proposals. Additionally, ABC recommends increasing access to capital for new construction projects and viable, low-risk projects and contracts that need funding in order for work to commence, and promotes enacting a national, comprehensive energy plan that includes new construction and upgrades to the nation’s infrastructure. For more details on the proposal, visit www.abc.org.

State Foreclosure Petitions Drop in January

BOSTON — The number of foreclosures started by lenders in Massachusetts during January dropped to the lowest level in more than a year, according to a new report by the Warren Group. Lenders filed 1,874 petitions to foreclose — which mark the first step in the foreclosure process in Massachusetts — in January, a 9% decrease from 2,060 in December and 4.4% drop from a year earlier. Foreclosure petitions exceeded 2,000 for most months in 2009, falling below that number only in January and November. In January, 1,061 foreclosure deeds were recorded, up from 978 in January 2009 and 857 in December. This was the highest number of foreclosures for January since the Warren Group started tracking statewide foreclosure activity in 2006. The number of auction announcements tracked by the Warren Group also surged in January. Auction announcements shot up 81.5% to 2,385 from 1,314 in January 2009 and were also 23% higher than the 1,931 auction announcements tracked in December.

Statewide Dropout Rate Falls Below 3%

MALDEN — Fewer than 3% of the state’s high-school students dropped out of school during the 2008-09 school year, marking the first time the statewide dropout rate has dipped below 3% in the past decade. According to a new state report, the dropout rate for Hispanic students statewide showed the biggest improvement among the five largest racial/ethnic groups since last year, improving from 8.3% in 2007-08 to 7.5% in 2008-09. In all, 8,585 students (2.9%) out of 292,372 high school students in grades 9-12 statewide dropped out of school during the 2008-09 school year, a 0.5% improvement from the 2007-08 school year, and a 0.9% improvement from the 2006-07 school year. Several urban school districts made gains by reducing the number of dropouts between 2007-08 and 2008-09, in
luding Holyoke. The Holyoke school system had 39 fewer students drop out (1.8% improvement, from 11.6% to 9.8%). Annual dropout rates improved for African-American, Asian, Hispanic, and white students since last year. During the 2008-09 school year, 5.6% of African-American high-school students dropped out of high school (down from 5.8% in 2007-08), as did 1.7% of Asian students (down from 2%), 7.5% of Hispanic students (down from 8.3%), and 1.8% of white students (down from 2.2%). Similar improvements were made by students with disabilities (dropout rate of 5% in 2008-09, down from 5.5% in 2007-08), limited-English-proficiency students (8.5%, down from 8.8%), and low-income students (5%, down from 5.5%).

MassMutual Survey: Surprising Trends in 401(k) Participant Attitudes

SPRINGFIELD — A recent survey of defined-contribution-plan participants conducted by MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division reveals some surprising findings about participant attitudes and approaches toward investing — and some striking differences based on gender. MassMutual conducted the online survey of more than 1,000 of its retirement-plan participants between Nov. 15, 2009 and Jan. 15, 2010. Surprisingly, overall, 75.8% of participants surveyed were optimistic about the stock market, believing that performance will improve in the next 12 months, compared to only 7.6% who think it will decline. However, while women were just as optimistic as men relative to the market outlook, women were significantly less confident in making their own investment decisions (32.5%) compared to men (47.8%). Likewise, more men enjoy managing their investments (61.5%) than do women (48.1%). More women also prefer to spend as little time as possible on investment decisions (39.3%) compared to men (28%). While overall 70.9% of participants enjoy learning about investments compared to 8.2% who don’t, a higher percentage of men (75.4%) enjoy learning vs. women (63.1%). In terms of approach to retirement planning in the current economy, overall 40.3% reported becoming more conservative, 32.9% became more aggressive, and 26.8% have not changed their approach.

Average account balances of female participants showed far less volatility than those of men, reflecting their more conservative investment selections and indicating their actual behavior lined up with their survey responses. Also, only 10.2% of surveyed participants currently work with a personal financial adviser. MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division serves approximately 1 million participants across more than 6,000 plans.

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

Ken Vincunas
200 Silver St.
$125,000 — Tenant fit-out for 2,500 square feet of office space

Teresa Lecrenski
384 Shoemaker Lane
$45,000 — Interior remodel

AMHERST

Institute for Training & Development Inc.
8 Sunset Ave.
$5,000 — Remodel bathroom

CHICOPEE

Dielectrics Realty Trust
300 Burnett Road
$80,500 — Reconfiguration of existing partitions

Porter & Chester Institute
134 Dulong Circle
$107,000 — Construct new classroom and office space

GREENFIELD

Simon Cohn & Charles Cohn
176 Main St
$1,200 — Remove & replace exterior door

LUDLOW

Ludlow Country Club
40 Tony Lema Dr.
$4,800 — Interior alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$57,600 — Add three new offices

Florence Family Enterprises LLC
99 Main St
$12,000 — New Roof

Mariano Vincent
64 Gothic St
$41,700 — Renovate interior suite 3		  

Nonotuck Mills LLC
296 Nonotuck St
$21,600 — Install new membrane roof

Nonotuck Mills LLC
296 Nonotuck St
$12,000 — Construct interior walls

Thornes Marketplace LLC
150 Main St
$2,800 — Renovate cabinetry

Robert K Ostberg
64 Gothic St.
$30,000 — Construct new stairs and walls

SOUTH HADLEY

JTP Realty
105 Main St.
$3,500 — New roof

SPRINGFIELD

ESIBC
211 Carando Dr.
$1,250 — Combine two existing suites

F.L. Roberts & Company
1130 Boston Road
$3,000 — New fascia

Raney Shabenah
770 Main St.
$5,750 — Change restaurant to grocery

WESTFIELD

Gerald Tracy
22 Elm St.
$3,200 — Commercial renovation

Haron’s
330 East Main St.
$111,500 — commercial fit-out

By
Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

March 19: Breakfast Series, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Deerfield Inn. Program speakers: John Fabel, inventor, educator, entrepreneur, and bike nut; innovative green-technology businesses including Sylvan Cycles, Qteros, and Ecotrek. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank. Cost: members $12, non-members $14. To make reservations, call (413) 773-5463 or e-mail
[email protected]  by March 16.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

March 17: St. Pat’s Salute Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., sponsored by PeoplesBank. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $20. Call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 for reservations.

March 24: Table Top Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. (snow date March 30), presented by the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, and Northampton chambers of commerce. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. The public is invited. Cost: $5; vendors $100 for a table. Call (413) 534-3376 or any of the chambers to reserve a table.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center.
March 24: 16th Annual Table Top Expo, 4:30 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
413-283-6425

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

Beautiful Hair Ltd.
1325 Springfield St.
David & Joanna Mahoney

BruBurgers
241 S. Westfield St.
Contantino Dino Gravanis

D & G Construction
56 Randall St.
Dmitriy F. Gritskevich

E. Wayne Smith Transmission Service
1016 Springfield St.
E. Wayne Smith

Modern Landscapes Inc.
11 Birch Hill Road
Jeffrey Ogorzatek

Royal Touch Painting
92 Coronet Circle
Michael McGill

Salon 322
1106 Springfield St.
Maria Santaniello

Track Bangas Entertainment
44 North Westfield St.
Jeffrey Smith

AMHERST

Aaron’s Transportation
15 Jenks St.
Scott Bellemore

Comparable to None Recording Studio
67 North Pleasant St.
Anthony Basile

Da Veiga Moving
151 Brittany Manor
Henrigue Da Veiga

CHICOPEE

Two Brothers from the Bottom
480 Grattan St.
Keith Matthews

Yorkmond Marketing
135 Broadway St.
Bethany York

EASTHAMPTON

The Night Truck
119 Main St.
Jacob Hawkesworth

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dico’s Landscaping
367 Porter Road
Timothy DeClementi

KMP Golf Shop
15 Baymor Dr.
Kevin Piecuch

Old Man Movin Sports Apparel
5 Redin Dr.
Marc Alan Benedict

GREENFIELD

Charlene Mann Extended Care Facility
130 Colrain Road
William C. Jones

Halo Couriers
22 Pickett Lane
Brion Stracewsky

HADLEY

Club Trendz Fitness
41 Russell St.
Jennifer Dalbec

Fancy Nails
36 Russell St.
Bau Diep

Off the Wall James
41 Russell St.
Joseph Bailey

HOLYOKE

Buckle Up
50 Holyoke St.
Swostik Rana Magar

Cellular Galaxy
50 Holyoke St.
Swostik Rana Magar

GBS Brows
50 Holyoke St.
Binda Neupane

Rainbow Nails
878 High St.
Trang Nguyen

Underground Fashion
149 Chestnut St.
Maria Diaz

LUDLOW

Elegant Nails
263 East St.
Ann N. Nguyen

Garden Designs by Jacqueline
451 Miller St.
Jacqueline Clark

John Quill Automotive
412 Holyoke St.
John Quill

NORTHAMPTON

Disney Adventures
244 Main St.
Buena Vista Management Inc.

LP Visual
45 Olive St.
Lance Piantaggini

Side Street Café
42 Maple St.
Patrick Shannon

PALMER

Aeigis Refrigeration
42 Walnut St.
Christopher Hess

Balicki Auto Body
92 Bacon Road
Michael Balicki

  

Beauregard Building & Remodeling
124 South High St.
Carl Beauregard

Hands of Intuition
131 North St.
Kari Flowers

WARE Radio 1250
3 Converse St.
Marshall Samft

SPRINGFIELD

M.G. Services
15 Girard Ave.
Eder Goncalves Souza

M.L. Schmitt, Inc.
371 Taylor St.
Thomas A. Schmitt

M. L. C. Child Care
64 Fordham St.
Nereida Valentin

Mohawk Cat Records
183 Florida St.
Tristan T. Tash

Nine Iron Auto Transport
35 Bryant St.
James E. Smith

Noelia Custom Banners
38 Seneca St.
Noelia Ramos

Pentecostal Jehova Shalom
20 Winter St.
Ana Daisy Deltoro

Peoplefirst Rehabilitation
1400 State ST.
Kindred Rehab

Rick O’Leary Construction
28 Old Lane Road
Richard W. O’Leary

Santiago’s Tree Landscaping
2048 Page Blvd.
Harry E. Santiago

Sassy Swag Designs
1655 Main St.
Sophelia Robinson

Skyrlee Express
107 Cedar St.
Victor Amaro

Springfield Cleaning Services
70 Harrison Ave.
David Munoz

Springfield Diocesan
421 Tinkham Road
John J. Egan

Sunshine Floors Cleaning
80 Brookside Circle
Curtis Anthony Lewis

Total Auto Body & Fiberglass
256 Lanconia St.
Lee A. Crosby

Vincent’s Beauty Salon
1655 Main St.
Vincent F. Stanek

VJ. Tires and Rims
295 Allen St.
Victor S. Jimenez

Wapner Golf
70 Tamarack Dr.
Kent Daniel Wapner

Your Event Planner
165 Main St.
Angel O. Ayala

WESTFIELD

1st Stop Airduct Cleaning
13 Union Ave.
Nathan Neveu

Being Well Therapeutic Massage
10 Union Ave.
Alina Zawadzka

Bird Remodeling
11 Fawn Lane
David H. Bird

CB LeBlanc Landscaping
1106 East Mountain Road
Christopher LeBlanc

Cechvala Heating & Air Conditioning
15 Family Lane
Ryan Cechvala

Elijah Towing
1 Brentwood Dr.
Alexandr Lisyanyy

Hickory Hill Farms
325 Montgomery Road
Dennis L. Bishop

Pet Nap Sax
170 City View Road
Donna Kotowski

Pioneer Valuation
149 Yeoman Ave.
Christopher Keefe

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Accent Interior Redesign
12 North Blvd.
Phyllis Boucher

Gaudino’s Westside Wheel & Frame
44 Mulberry St.
Chalres Gaudino

Perfect Touch Cleaning Service
51 Elmwood Ave.
Nissa Geberson

Super 8 Motel
1500 Riverdale St.
Ram Sia LLC

West Side Cost Cutters
533 Union St.
AKC LLC

West Springfield Mitsubishi
526 Riverdale St.
Bertera Suzuki Inc.

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

AMHERST

Alpha Pizza Pi Inc., 356 College St. Amherst, MA, 01002. Laurie K. Wiernasz, same. Restaurant.

Batobox Solutions Inc., 117 Northampton Road, Amherst MA, 01002. Sabato Visconti, same. Consulting and design services.

CHICOPEE

A-Z Motors, Inc., 401 Hampden St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Roman Radkovets, same. Used car dealership and auto body shop.

Champion Overhead Doors Inc., 10 Riverview Ter., Apt. 3 Chicopee, MA 01013. Clifton Daniel Hall, same. Overhead garage door sales and installation.

Chicopee Street Auto Sales Inc., 363 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Wayne L. Pare Sr., same. Auto sales.

EASTHAMPTON

Corbeil & Company Inc., 148 Park St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Eileen Thereses Corbeil, same. Real Estate and related products and services.

FEEDING HILLS

Complete Auto Inc., 82 Anvil St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Joel Faillace, same. Auto sales and repair.

GREAT BARRINGTON

Boho Thrift Inc., 252 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. Kelley M. Keefner, 170 Housatonic St., Lenox, MA 01240. Thrift shop.

Belchertown Lacross Association Inc., 28 Doe Hollow, Belchertown, MA 01007. Andrew French, same.

HOLYOKE

Castlerock Limited, 25 Stanford St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael A. Fitz, same.

 

PITTSFIELD

Andoz Inc., 413 North St., Number 415 Pittsfield, MA 01201. Ali Abanoz, 117 Union St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Pizza Restaurant.

Berkshire Building and Remodeling Inc., 163 Leona Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Steven J. Murdock, same. Building construction and remodeling contractor.

Berkshire Perennial Landscaping Inc., 255 North St., Suite 206, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Everette Gollman, same. Landscaping and maintenance.

SOUTHWICK

Ambica Inc., 587 College Highway, Unit B, Southwick, MA 01077. Chirag Patel, 1032 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Convenience store.

SPRINGFIELD

A.S.N.S. Landscaping and Shopping Center Maintenance Inc., 64 Pasadena St., Springfield, MA 01108. Aramis Perez, same. Shopping Center maintenance.

Adolfo’s Restaurant Inc., 254 Worthington St., Springfield, MA, 01103. Victor Bruno, same. Restaurant.

Asem & Ahmad Inc., 429 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Asem Aydah, 375 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 0001. Retail and convenience store and gas stations.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bliny Crepes Tea House Inc., 54 Oleander St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Roman Shtefan, same. Food Service.

Community Indoor Golf Association of Western Mass. Inc., 1010 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Tom McElligott, 15F Mansion Woods Dr., Agawam, MA 01001. Indoor golf center.

WESTFIELD

C & C Heating & Cooling Inc., 96 Llewellyn Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Steven C. Burkholder, 5 Brook Road, Enfield, CT 06082. Heating and Cooling sales, service, and installation.

By
Departments

Helping Hand

Employees of the Springfield office of the Department of Workforce Development were moved by the needs of the people of Haiti following the Jan. 12 earthquake. Over a period of one week, staff volunteered their time to host a ‘goodie sale’ in the workplace, raising $730 for the Haiti Relief and Development Efforts with the American Red Cross. Here, Department of Workforce Development employees Marion Smreck (left) and Linda Luckey (right) present the donation to Paige Thayer, deputy director of Chapter Support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter.

Safety First

Jewish Geriatric Services (JGS) was recently recognized with the 2009 Leadership in Safety Award by CNA HealthPro, a leading health care insurer. It was presented by Bruce Dmytrow, vice president of CNA Global Specialty Lines, to JGS leadership and senior staff. Representatives of FieldEddy Insurance, partners in this effort, also attended. Pictured are, from left, FieldEddy representatives Kevin Munsell, Teresa Petit de Mange, and Executive Vice President Timothy Marini; Alan Rosenfeld, JGS president and CEO; Linda Donoghue, JGS COO and CNO; Dmytrow; Martha Finkel-Ceppetelli, vice chairman of the JGS board of directors; Mary Ryan, CNA risk introduction consultant; and Michael Hurwitz, chairman of the JGS board of directors.

The Big Picture

Members of the Geitz family gather around the portrait of Dr. Robert C. Geitz, second president of Springfield Technical Community College. The portrait, unveiled at a reception on Feb. 21, will be hung in Garvey Hall alongside the portraits of other presidents and school founders.

Healthcare Workforce Partnership

The Healthcare Workforce Partnership of Western Mass., a collaborative of area employers, workforce-development leaders, and education providers, staged a legislative gathering on March 5 to provide a progress report on the partnership’s efforts to address projected workforce shortages in many health care fields. The highlight of the gathering was an address by Robert Calaf (above, center), who overcame long odds to become a patient care technician at Baystate Health. He’s seen with representatives of many of the groups that helped him transition into a career in health care. From left are Rexene Picard of FutureWorks; Ann Peterson of the Mass. Career Development Institute (MCDI); Amy Rist of Baystate Health; Chanel Azito, Calaf’s girlfriend and also a participant in the patient care technician program; Calaf; Ivette Cruz of the Puerto Rican Cultural Council; Jean Jackson of Baystate Health; and Tim Sneed of MCDI. Below, left, are three of the featured speakers at the event: from left, Mary Walachy, executive director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation; Jean Jackson, vice president of Workforce Planning at Baystate Health; and Kelly Aiken, director at Health Care Initiatives for the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. Below, right, audience members listen to Aiken’s update on job opportunities in health care.

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

Ken Vincunas
68 Gold St.
$130,000 — Tenant fit-out of 3,400 square feet of office space

Renz America
92 Almgren Dr.
$11,000 — Upgrading existing sprinkler system

AMHERST

Amherst College Trustees
280 Main St.
$65,000 — Replace damaged ceiling

Hill House LLC
81 McClellan St.
$67,000 — Addition

CHICOPEE

1580 Ocean Avenue LLC
861 Prospect St.
$36,000 — Install solar panel

MGS Realty Inc.
215 Griffith Road
$49,000 — Office renovations

EASTHAMPTON

God Is Love Church
285 East St.
$8,500 — Install vinyl siding and trim

GREENFIELD

Country Club of Greenfield
180 Country Club Road
$25,000 — Construct six new towers

HOLYOKE

Mark Cudding
28 Appleton St.
$29,000 — Repairs to roof at C & D Electronics

LUDLOW

Ludlow Fish & Game
857 Sportsman Road
$1,600 — New deck

  

NORTHAMPTON

American Tower
327 King St.
$4,500 — New antenna

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$45,000 — Construct new gift shop

Manhan Narrow LLC
196 Pleasant St
$450,000 — Interior renovation

Meadowbrook Preservation
491 Bridge Road
$1,261,800 — Renovate building 21

SOUTH HADLEY

E Inc.
7 Gaylord St
$2,294,000 — Commercial renovations

Mt. Holyoke College
50 College St.
$303,500 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Jo Lee
1132 Main St.
$15,000 — Interior renovation of furniture store

Nino’s Pizza Shop
674 Dickinson St.
$2,500 — Interior renovations

WESTFIELD

Little Rill Trucking
77 Industrial Park Road
$38,500 — Commercial renovation

Westfield Animal Shelter
178 Appremont Way
$20,000 — Install kennels

By
Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

March 19: Breakfast Series, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Deerfield Inn. Program speakers: John Fabel, inventor, educator, entrepreneur, and bike nut; innovative green-technology businesses including Sylvan Cycles, Qteros, and Ecotrek. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank. Cost: members $12, non-members $14. To make reservations, call (413) 773-5463 or e-mail [email protected] by March 16.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

March 4: Leadership Holyoke Program, sponsored by PeoplesBank. Presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Holyoke Community College. Speakers, discussions, classroom time, and field trips are included in this 11-week session. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for details.

March 17: St. Pat’s Salute Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., sponsored by PeoplesBank. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $20. Call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 for reservations.

March 24: Table Top Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. (snow date March 30), presented by the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, and Northampton Chambers of Commerce. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. The public is invited. Cost: $5; vendors $100 for a table. Call (413) 534-3376 or any of the chambers to reserve a table.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

March 3: Arrive@5, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Calvin Coolidge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for Northampton. Cost: members $10, guests $15.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center.

March 24: 16th Annual Table Top Expo, 4:30 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
413-283-6425

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

By
Departments

Comcast Offers Online Storage Solutions

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast Corp. recently launched Secure Backup & Share to help its high-speed Internet customers reduce their risk of losing important files that are saved on their computers. As physical belongings once stored in shoeboxes and manila file folders are now in the form of digital files spread across various computers and smart phones, there is a need for online backup that will protect one’s valuable files and ensure they will be available from just about anywhere at any time, according to Doug Guthrie, senior vice president of Comcast’s Western New England Region. Guthrie noted that Secure Backup & Share is embedded into the high-speed Internet service so customers can retrieve and share personal digital media from any Web-enabled or wireless device. Features of Secure Backup & Share include files being stored remotely, which can be restored in the event of human error, fire, or natural disaster; and convenient sharing, allowing customers to share their photos, videos, music, and documents with family and friends. Guthrie also noted that Comcast high-speed Internet customers automatically receive 2 GB of storage included with their subscription. Comcast packages also include a 50 GB storage plan and a 200 GB storage plan. For more information, visit www.comcast.net/backup.

PeoplesBank Branching Out to Seniors

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank hopes to open two branches at local complexes for senior citizens in the coming months. Bank officials recently applied to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the state Division of Banks for permission to open branches at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road, Springfield; and at Glenmeadow, 56 Burns Meadow Road, Longmeadow.

Baystate MRI Opens New Facility

SPRINGFIELD — The Baystate MRI and Imaging Center recently opened its doors at 80 Wason Ave. with 3 Tesla technology (3T), enabling physicians to see and interpret scans at a level of detail never seen before. The new location will house three open-bore MRI units, including a Siemens Open Bore 3 Tesla MRI device, which Dr. Richard Hicks, director of MRI for Baystate MRI and Imaging Center, says delivers an unprecedented level of detail in its images while also enabling patients to receive their scans in greater comfort. Hicks also serves as chief of Neuroradiology at Baystate Medical Center. Hicks added that, from neurology to orthopedic imaging, he expects to be able to detect and diagnose a range of health issues faster and more effectively. Magnetic-resonance imaging uses a magnetic field and radio waves to obtain images of the internal structure of a patient’s body. MRI is useful in helping physicians detect tumors, infection, vascular disease, and internal bleeding, among other problems. The digital images from an MRI can be easily relayed between doctors and other providers, helping to ensure every caregiver treating a patient has access to the most up-to-date and detailed assessment of that patient’s circumstances, according to Hicks. With a sizable opening, the open-bore devices can accommodate patients who might have struggled getting MRIs in the past, noted Hicks, adding that the new technology provides comfort for people who are claustrophobic, pediatric patients, and people of size. Baystate MRI and Imaging will also offer the newest PET/CT (positron-emission tomography/computed tomography) technology available at the site. PET/CT is used primarily in oncology and brain-imaging applications and is useful in identifying abnormalities, while also offering faster scans and an open design for patient comfort. Baystate MRI is a partnership between Baystate Radiology and Imaging Inc. and Shields Health Care Group, which provides MRI services across Central and Southern New England.

Paratemps Inc. Celebrates 20 Years

SPRINGFIELD — Marge Fauteux, president and founder of Paratemps, Inc., celebrated 20 years in business in February. The legal and corporate staffing service specializes in offering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire placement throughout Western Mass. and Northern Conn. Fauteux is a member of the Professional Legal Advisory Board at BayPath College, Longmeadow, and a member of Wilbraham BNI (Business Network International). She also serves as a director for BNI Western MA.

WNEC Students Excel in Tax Challenge

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England College (WNEC) School of Law students swept the top awards in a National American Bar Assoc. contest designed to give students an opportunity to research, write about, and present their analyses of “real life” tax-planning problems. Brendan Sponheimer of Orange, Conn., and James Murtha of Manchester, Conn., were awarded first place overall at the American Bar Assoc. Section of Taxation’s 2009 Law Student Tax Challenge in San Antonio. A second WNEC team, Neill O’Brien of East Longmeadow and Casey Nunez of Princeton, were honored for the best written submission. Professor of Law Frederick Royal served as coach of both teams, which competed in the competition’s juris doctor division. This is the second time in the competition’s nine-year history that WNEC School of Law students have been named overall champions. The tax challenge was developed to reflect everyday tax issues that might arise for practitioners. Forty-three teams from 34 law schools across the country competed in the J.D. division, tackling a complex tax planning problem that involved individual and business entity issues.

Bay State Gas Receives OK for Energy Plan

WESTBOROUGH — The Mass. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) recently approved a three-year energy-efficiency plan by Bay State Gas. The 2010-12 approved plan is a new initiative in response to the Mass. Green Communities Act (GCA), and follows months of rigorous discussion, participation, and negotiations with the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (established by the GCA) and other interested stakeholders. The DPU order commences a new era of prudent energy management and consumption, addresses the challenges of climate change, and fosters growth in jobs and economic output within the state. Bay State’s plan includes participation in a comprehensive framework comprised of all utilities and energy-service providers in the state to deliver enhanced energy-efficiency services, and acquisition of all available energy-efficiency and demand-reduction resources that are cost-effective. Derek Buchler, manager of the company’s energy-efficiency department, noted that never before has there been such a coordinated effort among the state’s gas and electric distribution companies, all focused on achieving accelerated levels of energy savings in a three-year period. Buchler added that Bay State’s energy-efficiency programs will dramatically increase from a $7.9 million annual budget to more than $56 million over the next three years. The new programs will install energy improvements that will achieve savings for years to come, enabling Bay State customers to realize savings of more than 181 million therms of gas over the life of measures installed. This is the equivalent of heating approximately 178,797 homes for one year and equates to net benefits of more than $135 million, according to Buchler. Steve Bryant, president of Bay State Gas, added that the company is “extremely proud” to be part of this important and ground-breaking energy-efficiency initiative. Bryant noted that the new plan will provide customers with easy, affordable ways to control and reduce energy consumption.

Pittsfield Chosen for WMECO Solar-energy Site

SPRINGFIELD — Western Mass. Electric Company (WMECO) recently announced its plan to develop the first of several large-scale solar energy facilities. The selected site on Silver Lake Boulevard combines two parcels of land owned by WMECO and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) at the William Stanley Business Park. The eight-acre site will accommodate up to 1.8 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. WMECO officials joined local officials and PEDA representatives in announcing the agreement to combine these brownfield properties into one of the largest solar facilities in New England. The Commonwealth has a goal to install 250 megawatts of solar by 2017. Under the landmark Green Communities Act, each Massachusetts electric utility may own up to 50 MW of solar generation, subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities (DPU). WMECO is currently authorized to install 6 MW of solar. The company’s solar program reflects a close collaboration with the attorney general’s office and other key Massachusetts and industry stakeholders. WMECO’s Silver Lake Boulevard project combines a six-acre parcel owned by the utility and a two-acre parcel in the William Stanley Business Park. A WMECO substation is situated between the two parcels, providing an efficient connection to the utility’s local distribution system. Large-scale solar-energy facilities are still relatively new to Massachusetts and New England. Approximately 10 MW of solar generation is currently on-line in the Commonwealth. Comprised of approximately 1,100 individual photovoltaic systems, the largest one is approximately 500 kilowatts (0.5 MW). WMECO’s first solar project can be as large as 1.8 MW, and the company expects it to cost considerably less than existing photovoltaic systems. The project will bring $10 to $12 million of construction to the region and is expected to contribute more than $200,000 of annual property-tax revenue to the city of Pittsfield. Pittsfield is one of the two Gateway Communities in WMECO’s service territory and is home to some 24,000 WMECO customers. Local permitting for the project is underway, and WMECO expects to begin construction in the second quarter of this year. The company continues to evaluate other sites for the remaining scope of its 6 MW solar program. WMECO’s solar program focuses on larger-scale facilities (1 MW or greater), emphasizing landfill, brownfield, and utility-owned properties as ideal locations. Such properties typically have few alternative uses and are compatible with the construction of solar-energy facilities. WMECO also seeks to develop the market for larger-scale solar facilities; the company’s program makes extensive use of competitive bidding and relies heavily on the expertise of the solar industry. WMECO has currently qualified 16 solar firms to bid on its projects. The company is also evaluating 25 sites owned by municipalities and private developers located in WMECO’s service territory. The company expects to draw upon these prospective sites as it develops additional projects during 2010. WMECO will complete the remainder of its 6 MW program by 2012. WMECO is part of the Northeast Utilities System.

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

Advanced Network Solutions
82 Florida Dr.
Vitaliy Izoita

Benton Marketing Group
150 Walnut St.
Derek J. Benton

End Results
766 Springfield St.
Catherine Marble

Knowledge is Power Group
76 Regency Park Dr.
Lavek Nisenkier

Morning Light Beauty Center Inc.
340 Walnut St. Ext.
Bing Chong Kau

Safe Place Technologies
750 Barry St.
Stefan Gadecki

Sandra Marie Photography
118 Maple St.
Sandra M. Bongiovanni

Sound Variables
2A Mansion Woods Dr.
Kirk Cirillo

Vlad’s Express Delivery
70 Rivera Dr.
Vladimir Duducal

AMHERST

Films Royale
1040 North Pleasant St.
Jesse Barack

Ghana Act
183 Chestnut St.
Robert Barber

St. Michael & All Angels Anglican Mission
434 North Pleasant St.
Diane O’Leary

The Designing Child
34 Main St.
Judith Sandler

CHICOPEE

Crossover Web Solution
1607 Main St.
Saurab Ahikri

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Tattoo
6 Center St.
Andrew Barrett

EAST LONGMEADOW

B & D Removal
30 Harwich Road
Dennis F Olisky Jr.

EDCOM
104 Franconia Circle
William E. Grohe II

McRae Consulting Solutions
57 Merriam St.
Mary McRae

GREENFIELD

Beijing House
45 Main St.
Min Lu Lu

Greenfield Coffee
11 Bank Row
Greenfield Coffee, LLC

Naps Auto Sales & Service Inc.
151 Federal St.
Robert LaFleur

HADLEY

Dancing Shiva Studio
41 Russell St.
Amy Andrew

Rodrigues Towing
18 Newton Lane
Adxlron Rodrigues

HOLYOKE

Bodega 24 H
154 High St.
Pamela Antonetty

C & D Gifts & More
223 Maple St.
Debra M. Bowie

Dream Décor Inc.
369 High St.
Abdul Sattar Chaudhry

Lenscrafters
50 Holyoke St.
Kerry Bradley

Teavana
50 Holyoke St.
Joe Reeves

LUDLOW

Kitchen Works
35 State St.
Ronald Kretschmare

Triple R. Trailer
361 West St.
Randy Robare

Turnpike Acres Store Shop
185 Miller St.
George Dupuis

NORTHAMPTON

Foley Investigations
947 Burts Pit Road
Tracy Foley

General Cleaners of Northampton
144 North King St.
Karen Russell

Rockn Rog Ventures
57 Mann Terrace
Daniel M. Rogers

 

  

PALMER

Blockberries
65 Jim Ash St.
David Whitney

CKS
46 Wilbraham St.
Kevin Kolakowski

Lusty Performance Engines
430 Old Warren Road
William J. Lusty, Jr.

MD Logistics Services Inc.
3 Converse St.
Maurice Denner

SPRINGFIELD

Aquino Mini Mart
178 Oakland St.
William Aquino

Chico’s Towing Service
2543 Main St.
Cecilio Rivera

Creating Comfort Outlet
1655 Boston Road
Jose E. Barina Jr.

Cumberland Farms
70 Parker ST.
Richard Fournier

E2 Records
1655 Main ST.
Enrique Pacheco

EL Tabonuco Madrugador
858 State St.
Monserrate Delacruz

F & L Heating
48 Kenwood Park
Felix E. Caban

Fresh Cutz
494 Central St.
Carlos Cosme

In and Out Rims and Tires
501 Main ST.
Sergio Andrews

J & D Fashion House
118 Stevenson Ave.
Diane Strickland

JW Fashion
172 Eastern Ave.
Luis Santiago

Jenny Beauty Salon
618 Belmont Ave.
Isaias Pena

Just Like Home Childcare
20 Revere St.
Yashira Soto-Perez

Kim’s Nail
250 Bridge St.
Donghee Kim

Laborers Unlimited
150 Phoenix Ter.
Flordilama Pasqual

M. J. M. Plowing
16 Willow Brook Dr.
Matthew J. McConaha

WESTFIELD

Allied Pattern
139 Meadow St.
Alan Perzanowski

Carpet Ends
1006 Southampton Road
Gabriel Khatchadourian

Good Life Industrial Supply
24 Camelot Lane
Anthony M. Bonavita, Jr.

One Family Services Inc.
26 North Elm St.
Jeffrey S. Hardy, Sr.

Reflections Hair Studio
2 Russell Road
Gloria P. Dandeneau

Shaker Gifts LLC
16 Union Ave.
Karen Novak

Split Ends
10 Union St.
Leanne Romani

Vitaliy’s Property Maintenance
87 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Vitaliy Brover

Zorra Designs LLC
3 Gillette Ave.
Alexandria Melo

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Arias Fabrics
209 Elm St.
Doris Arias

Balise Toyota Scion
1399 Riverdale St.
BTLS Corporation Inc

Bliny Crepes Tea House Inc.
261 Union St.
Romas Stefan

DMP Supply Company Inc.
21 Bramble Ave.
Donald Del Buono

James A. Kellam, Attorney at Law
181 Park Ave.
James A. Kellam

Picture Awards Inc.
871 Elm St.
Joseph J. Esile Jr.

By
Departments

My Boss Is a Patriot

Balise Honda Service Manager Mike Yuscavitch recently received the ‘My Boss Is a Patriot’ Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve. From left are Earl Bonett, Western Mass. chairman, ESGR; Yuscavitch; and Scott Randall, Balise Honda technician and PFC in the Mass. National Guard, who nominated Yuscavitch.

Building Momentum at GCC

Gov. Deval Patrick (center) and Greenfield Community College President Bob Pura (right)look on as Stephen O’Connor, with the Mass. Division of Capital Asset Management, points out demolition activities currently underway for the Greenfield Community College Core Renovation Project. The $31.5 million project is funded through the MA Higher Education Bond Bill and expected to be completed by summer 2011.

Outlook 2010

More than 800 area business and civic leaders turned out at Chez Josef in Agawam on Feb. 12 for the Affiliated Chambers’ Outlook 2010 program. The featured speaker was Gov. Deval Patrick, who highlighted a number of business and economic-development efforts currently ongoing in the Commonwealth. Below, Mark Tolosky, left, president and CEO of Baystate Health, chats with John Chandler, MassMutual Financial’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer (center), and Nick Fyntrilakis, MassMutual’s director of Community Relations. At bottom, from left, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal (who also addressed the audience on federal initiatives), Patrick, and Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England, listen to Rod Scott, senior vice president of Sovereign Bank, make opening remarks.

A ‘Green’ Branch

Douglas A. Bowen, PeoplesBank president and CEO (center), was joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, city and state officials, as well as PeoplesBank staff members and senior management, to open the bank’s first LEED-registered office at 1051 St. James Ave. City officials were also on hand to award PeoplesBank with its first GreenSeal, an initiative to foster a greener, more sustainable, and more livable city.

By
Departments

Ten Tips to Improve your linkedIn Experience

By CHRISTINE PILCH

1. Creating a thorough profile is important. An incomplete profile screams, “I don’t care about this.” Fill out all educational and professional information so people know what you’re capable of.

2.Connecting to a couple of LIONs (LinkedIn Open Networkers) expands your network, but more than that probably just links to duplicates.
3. Giving referrals has a double benefit. Your friend benefits from your accolades, and you benefit from increased visibility on their profile.
4. Connecting to people takes dedication and perseverance. This is not a case of, ‘build it and they will come.’ Go through your contact list and search for people. Monitor the suggestions and mine your connections’ friends for common acquaintances.

5. Joining groups expands your network and opens you to a vast pool of people with common interests or talents.

6. Answering questions helps demonstrate your proficiency. Try to answer one per week in your area of expertise.
7. Asking a thoughtful and relevant question can raise awareness of you within a group where you may have been anonymous.
8. Updating your status frequently gets you on your connections’ home page often, so they will think of you regularly.
9. Building a company page allows all employees to associate themselves with your business and provides a snapshot of it.

10. Showing what benefit you bring to a prospective employer with a descriptive tag of your skills is more effective than listing your boring job title under your name.

Christine Pilch is a partner with Grow My Company and a social-media marketing strategist. She trains clients to utilize LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, blogging, and other social-media tools to grow their businesses; (413) 537-2474; linkedin.com/in/christinepilch;
facebook.com/growmycompany;
twitter.com/christinepilch; growmyco.com; “Miracle Growth for Your Company.”

By
Departments

Rise in Jobless Claims Surprises Analysts

WASHINGTON — In the week ending Feb. 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial jobless claims was 473,000, an increase of 31,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 442,000. The four-week moving average was 467,500, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week’s revised average of 469,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5% for the week ending Feb. 6, unchanged from the prior week’s unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb. 6 was 4,563,000, unchanged from the preceding week’s revised level. The four-week moving average was 4,585,750, a decrease of 24,000 from the preceding week’s revised average of 4,609,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.24 million. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 476,730 in the week ending Feb. 13, a decrease of 30,850 from the previous week. There were 619,951 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.3% during the week ending Feb. 6, a decrease of 0.1% from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for people claiming unemployment-insurance benefits in state programs totaled 5,539,706, a decrease of 150,689 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.5%, and the volume was 5,972,146. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Jan. 30. States reported 5,797,875 persons claiming EUC (emergency unemployment compensation) benefits for the week ending Jan. 30, an increase of 304,748 from the prior week.

Bright Nights Has Successful Holiday Season

SPRINGFIELD — Spirit of Springfield (SOS) officials recently noted that the 15th season of Bright Nights at Forest Park was a success, contributing close to $350,000 in payments to the city for traffic control, labor, and its annual licensing fee. SOS President Judith A. Matt noted during an appreciation breakfast that the holiday lighting display drew 36,240 cars, a 12% increase over the 2008 season, as well as 298 buses. SOS estimates that Bright Nights also infuses more than $7.5 million into the region through its hotels, shops, and restaurants, as well as money paid to city workers, vendors, and staff, during the 35-night run, Matt noted. The lighting display is expected to be dismantled by the first week of March, she added.

Leadership Holyoke Applicants Still Sought

HOLYOKE — The 11-week Leadership Holyoke program, co-sponsored by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and PeoplesBank, begins March 4. Holyoke Community College faculty members and community leaders participate in each weekly, half-day session of Leadership Holyoke. Topics are related to the elements involved in being an effective volunteer leader. For more information and enrollment applications, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376.

United Way Seeks Nominees for Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — The United Way of Pioneer Valley is seeking nominees for its annual awards program, which honors volunteers and organizations for contributing the most to improve the lives of Pioneer Valley people and to strengthen communities. Nominating someone or a business or organization is as easy as submitting a name and a brief justification explaining why the person nominated should receive a United Way award. This is the first year the United Way has expanded the nomination process to include nominations from any member of the public, according to Dora D. Robinson, president and CEO. Robinson noted that it is important to encourage the public to recognize outstanding volunteer service — individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that have proven their concern and compassion for their neighbors with acts of kindness. The award categories are: Spirit of Caring Award, honoring an individual who has demonstrated uncommon leadership and compassion while improving the community; Champions of Hope Award, honoring a local corporation or business that values and nurtures community relationships and is a catalyst for positive change in the community; and the Kevin Hamel Community Building Award, honoring a nonprofit that serves the community with the highest possible integrity and values honest and transparent practices. People are not limited to one nomination. Citizens can submit as many nominees for as many award categories as they believe are appropriate. Nominations can be sent to Linda Valentini, preferably by e-mail at [email protected], or by faxing to (413) 788-4130. For more information, visit www.uwpv.org.

By
Departments

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

Abergel, Nicole S.
a/k/a Remillard, Nicole S.
187 Oak St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/10

Alameh, Maria
33 Greenleaf St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Alexander, John D.
11 Francis St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Alfarone, Roberto
Alfarone, Robinlynn
a/k/a Gareau, Robin Lynn
24 Quartus St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Arce, Jesus
89 Marlborough St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Arrogante, Ruben Bautista
Arrogante, Maria Carmen
29 Day St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Baer, Gale M.
206 Holy Cross Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Benito Rocca Heating
Rocca, Benito G.
329 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/10

Boido, Matthew T.
3 Cheryl Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/10

Bonsant, Daniel Alfred
16 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Brewster, Edythe Mae
61 Warren St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Bulley, Christopher A.
14 Scott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Cardona, Luis A.
540 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Cauley, Linda Marie
243 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Colon, Virgen M.
226 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Corder, Marquita M.
5 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Corriveau, Nicole C.
a/k/a Staiti, Nicole C.
42 Bradway Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Cote, David M.
Cote, Ginger D.
54 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Cox, Stephen W.
Cox, Laura A.
5 Teakwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Darrah, Richard E.
a/k/a Linkenhoker-Darrah, Marilyn A.
7 School St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/10

Daskevich, Mitchell D.
Daskevich, Theresa M
31 James Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/10

Davenport, Deborah L.
a/k/a Ripley, Deborah
342 North Loomis St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

DelAcqua, Steven R.
4F Culdaff St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

DeMusis, David Leodore
198 Durant St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

DeVault, Timothy S.
DeVault, Buni B.
43 Oak Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Dorman, James Andre
9 Waterford Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Elliott, Tammy J.
38 Greenbrier St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Ferdinand, Nancy M.
418 North Hemlock Lane
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/10

Ferry, Daniel L.
350 West St., Lot 19A
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Fitzgerald, Louise A.
928 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Garbin, Jill E.
83 Verdugo St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Gelinas, William Francis
Gelinas, Susan
a/k/a Thompson, Susan
36 Austin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Giordano, Joseph
495 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Gleason, Ronald Herbert
Gleason, Janice Marie
43 Norwood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Gorton, Chad Michael
Gorton, Melanie Mclean
28 Lyric St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Gran, Steven R.
1 Malone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Greene, James R.
43-45 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Halbrook, Sean D.
Halbrook, Nicole M.
9 Squire Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/10

Hansen, John G.
266 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Harris, Joseph C.
Harris, Pamela A.
28 Bangs Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Hernandez, Maritza
89 Marlborough St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Herrera, Melissa
104 Francis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/10

Howard, Juanita L.
1 Malone Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Inglot, Andrew G.
Inglot, Diane Z.
65 Spring Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Kenyon, Chester W.
PO Box 3086
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Keough, Scott R.
46 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

  

Kraverotis, April M.
Kraverotis, Wayne J.
70 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Kreinest, Jeri Ann
25 Fairway Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

La Croix, Janet A.
140 Union St., Apt. 12
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Lane, Barbara A.
54-6 Simard Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/10

Lapointe, Raymond T.
Lapointe, Sarah A.
26 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Livernois, David P.
P.O. Box 185
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Lynch, William J.
Lynch, Joyce H.
71 Turners Falls Road
TurnersFalls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/10

Matney, Louis E.
11 Greene Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Matsuk, Aleksey
Matsuk, Svetlana
a/k/a Chertovskya, Svetlana
161 Stimson St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Matteson, Raymond F.
234 Partridge Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/10

McCauslin, Kim
99 Holyoke Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Medina, Roberto
269 Seymour Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Moran, Kevin G.
Moran, June M.
15 Winthrop Ter.
PO Box 963
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/01/10

Nentwig, Jeffrey E.
28 Wells Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Normandin, Robert P.
3284 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/10

O’Connor, Meghan Ann
38 Fairlawn St.
SouthHadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Osgood, Susanne L.
99 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Pagan, Victor
Rivera, Damaris
78 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Parent, Janice
495 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Perry, Jennifer L.
22 G St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Porter, Alvin A.
Porter, Deborah E.
85 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Reyes, Eduardo
189 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Rivera, Liz
101 Layzon Brother Road
IndianOrchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Rossetti, Steven J.
Rossetti, Lisa M.
296 Spring St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Ruiz, Jose B.
30 Riverview Homes, Apt. #1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Scanlon, Daniel J.
123 Pinehurst St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Schuster, Gary C.
Schuster, Pamala K.
34 Roosevelt Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/10

Sepanek, Sharon A.
78 Forest Park Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/10

Shrair, Jonathan R.
20 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Sieng, Phun
49 Popwin Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Smith, Candace B.
97 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Smith, Meghan L.
4 Liberty St., Unit E
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/10

Sosa, Carlos N.
Sosa, Emily
35 Archie St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/10

Storti, Jennifer L.
11 Naples Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/10

Topulos, Timothy A.
25 Lagadia St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/13/10

Torres, Evelyn
199 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/10

Valois, Maurice H.
Valois, Patricia
a/k/a Potente, Patricia
97 Woodmont St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Vincent, Laurence J.
Vincent, Carol M.
681 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

von Marschall, Gloria M.
127 Spring St.
Apt. BA
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/10

Vorce, Jay N.
Vorce, Gail A.
8 Johnson Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Walulak, Michael Anthony
Walulak, Jill Ellen
Meshlovitz, Jill Ellen
11 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/10

Wiener, Michael B.
245 Tanglewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

Willemain, Shawn Lee
59 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/10

Williams, Wayne E.
251 Arthur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/10

Winch, Edward N.
a/k/a Winch, Nelson E.
40 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/10

By
Departments

UMass Gets OK for Law School

BRIDGEWATER — The Mass. Board of Higher Education voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to approve the application by UMass Dartmouth to award the Juris Doctor, the first professional degree in the study of law. The approval comes one week after discussion of the application at the Board’s Assessment and Accountability Committee meeting in Worcester, including public testimony from approximately 30 individuals, most of whom spoke in favor of the application, and after a positive recommendation from staff at the Department of Higher Education. Gov. Deval L. Patrick praised the board’s decision, noting in a release, “this is another historic moment in education for the Commonwealth. Yesterday’s unanimous vote to approve the law program at the University of Massachusetts is a victory for our students and their families. I’m thankful to the Board of Higher Education, the University of Massachusetts system, and the Southern New England School of Law for all of their thoughtful work and effort to make an affordable public opportunity to aspiring young people in the Commonwealth.” Following last week’s committee meeting, the Department completed its analysis of the university’s proposal and recommended approval of the application. Staff found that the proposed UMass Dartmouth Juris Doctor met review criteria, and that the university will be able to start and operate a law school that will achieve American Bar Assoc. accreditation in a reasonable time frame, presuming it will attain its enrollment goals and prudently utilize associated financial resources. The university’s proposal was made possible in part by an offer from the neighboring Southern New England School of Law to donate its buildings and assets to facilitate UMass Dartmouth being able to offer a Juris Doctor. The Southern New England School of Law will file for institutional closure with the Department of Higher Education within 90 days following the spring 2010 student graduation. UMass Dartmouth intends to invite current SNESL students, faculty, and staff to study and work at the new UMass Dartmouth law program. With this program approval, the university is authorized to enroll its first class in the fall 2010 semester. In spring 2013, upon graduating the first class of first-year students in the Juris Doctor program, the university will submit to the Board a status report addressing its success in reaching program goals and in the areas of enrollment, curriculum, faculty resources, program effectiveness, and accreditation status.

Brightside Closing Some Programs

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The residential and school programs of Brightside for Families and Children will cease operations by April 2. Since its founding in 1881, Brightside has repeatedly evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, and for the past few years, supported the residential treatment and school program at a census level that was significantly less than half of its capacity. Despite extensive efforts by the Brightside management team to increase referrals, there was no expectation that census levels could improve to viable levels. Additionally, company officials note that funding sources are not available to place children in residential programs like Brightside. More than 130 positions will be eliminated due to the closure of these programs, and affected employees can apply for any open position within the Sisters of Providence Health System for which they may qualify. Brightside’s Family Stabilization Team (FST) will continue to provide outpatient services as they work to integrate Providence Behavioral Health Hospital’s Child and Adolescent inpatient (CHAD) and Acute Residential Treatment (ART) programs with the FST program.

Girls Inc. Joins National Investment Challenge

HOLYOKE — Girls Incorporated of Holyoke is one of two Girls Inc. organizations to join the ING-Girls Inc. Investment Challenge, an innovative nationwide program launched last year that gives girls practical, hands-on investing experience while allowing them to keep their gains in the form of college scholarships. With the help and guidance of trained Girls Inc. staff and ING employee volunteers, teams of girls build and manage diversified, real-time portfolios as part of an integrative investment and economic-literacy curriculum. All portfolios are managed and tracked using a state-of-the-art online-trading platform that allows the ING-Girls Inc. Investment Challenge participants to track their performance, absolutely and relative to the other challenge teams. After three years, two-thirds of any gains in the portfolio will be paid by the ING Foundation to the girls in the form of Girls Inc. scholarships for post-secondary education; one-third of the gains will be given to the local Girls Inc. affiliate to support local programming. The original $50,000 principal will then be reassigned to the incoming team. Girls in the ninth grade in the Greater Holyoke area are welcome to participate in the program. For more information, contact Sarah Dunton, director of youth development programs at Girls Inc. of Holyoke, at (413) 539-4505.

Slight Growth Seen in Services Sector

TEMPE, Az. — Economic activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in January, according to the nation’s purchasing and supply executives in the latest Non-Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The NMI (Non-Manufacturing Index) registered 50.5% in January, 0.7 percentage point higher than the seasonally adjusted 49.8% registered in December, indicating growth in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index decreased 1 percentage point to 52.2%, reflecting growth for the second consecutive month. The New Orders Index increased 2.7 percentage points to 54.7%, and the Employment Index increased 1 percentage point to 44.6%. The Prices Index increased 1.6 percentage points to 61.2% in January, indicating an increase in prices paid from December. According to the NMI, four non-manufacturing industries reported growth in January. The four industries reporting growth are other services, utilities, information, and wholesale trade. The 11 industries reporting contraction in January — listed in order — are arts, entertainment, and recreation; mining; retail trade; transportation and warehousing; management of companies and support services; professional, scientific, and technical services; health care and social assistance; finance and insurance; educational services; public administration and accommodation; and food services. The report is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide.

Documentary Explores Holyoke’s Roots

HOLYOKE — Interviews with local leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and young people bring the past and the present of the City of Holyoke to life in a new documentary, Creating Holyoke: Voices of a Community. The documentary will premiere on March 22 on WGBY, and copies are available at the Wistariahurst Museum Gift Shop for $17.95. Written by Priscilla Kane Hellweg and Rachel Kuhn of Enchanted Circle Theater and Kate Navarra Thibodeau, former city historian for Holyoke, the documentary tells the story of Holyoke’s rich history. The documentary was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Nan and Matilda Heydt Fund, and WGBY, and was produced by Navarra Thibodeau. For more information, visit www.creatingholyoke.org.

UMass Endowment Ranks in Top Quartile of Investment Returns

BOSTON — Despite a challenging environment, UMass turned in an endowment performance in fiscal year 2009 that ranked in the top quartile of American colleges and universities reporting performance for one-, three-, and five-year returns, according to the National Assoc. of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The data came from in-depth surveys of 842 U.S. institutions of higher learning, including public and private colleges and universities, their supporting foundations, and community colleges that participated in the 2009 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments. Based on change in market value, UMass placed seventh among universities with endowments of $100 to $500 million and 53rd overall, losing only 4.6% of its overall market value. The UMass endowment, which stood at $367 million at the close of FY09, turned in investment performance of -15% last year against an average of
-18.7%, and returned three- and five-year returns of 3% and 4.7%, placing it in the top quartile for performance for those periods.

Study: Struggles Remain For Those Seeking Emergency Food Aid

HATFIELD — A landmark study recently released by the Food Bank of Western Mass. and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, reports that more than 91,000 people, including 32,000 children, receive emergency food each year through the Food Bank and its network of food pantries, meal sites, and shelters. In Western Mass., this represents a 22% increase in the number of residents seeking emergency food assistance since 2006, the last time the study was conducted. Hunger in America 2010 is the first research study to capture the significant connection between the recent economic downturn and an increased need for emergency food assistance on a local and national level. In this region, more than 65,000 residents are experiencing food insecurity, not knowing where they will find their next meal, according to Andrew Morehouse, executive director of The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. An estimated 15,000 people receive emergency food assistance each week from a food pantry, meal site, or shelter served by the Food Bank of Western Mass. Morehouse noted that the Food Bank is seeing more people struggling to make choices between food and other basic necessities like rent, utilities, or health care. “We know that nearly three-quarters of all those who seek emergency food assistance are living in poverty and simply cannot make ends meet, so they turn to their local food pantry or meal site for help,” he said in a release. Morehouse added that donors and volunteers have stepped up to help the Food Bank respond to the growing food crisis in Western Mass., including boosting distribution capacity of local partner agencies around the region. The report was based on independent research conducted on behalf of Feeding America by Mathematica Policy Research, a non-partisan social-policy research firm based in Princeton, N.J. A summary of the Western Mass. findings is available at www.foodbankwma.org. The full national report is available at www.feedingamerica.org/hungerstudy.

Unemployment Filings Still Rising

NEW YORK — In the week ending Jan. 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 480,000, an increase of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 472,000. The four-week moving average was 468,750, an increase of 11,750 from the previous week’s revised average of 457,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5% for the week ending Jan. 23, unchanged from the prior week’s unrevised rate of 3.5%. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 23 was 4,602,000, an increase of 2,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 4,600,000. The four-week moving average was 4,617,500, a decrease of 51,250 from the preceding week’s revised average of 4,668,750. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.362 million. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 530,405 in the week ending Jan. 30, an increase of 28,234 from the previous week. There were 682,176 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.4% during the week ending Jan. 23, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 5,665,141, an increase of 62,784 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 4.3% and the volume was 5,806,901. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Jan. 16. Initial claims for UI benefits by former Federal civilian employees totaled 1,451 in the week ending Jan. 23, a decrease of 499 from the prior week. There were 1,858 initial claims by newly discharged veterans, a decrease of 554 from the preceding week. There were 26,167 former Federal civilian employees claiming UI benefits for the week ending Jan. 16, a decrease of 59 from the previous week. Newly discharged veterans claiming benefits totaled 35,777, a decrease of 2,059 from the prior week. States reported 5,632,219 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending Jan. 16, an increase of 281,442 from the prior week. There were 1,839,758 claimants in the comparable week in 2009. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending Jan. 16 were in Alaska (7.3%), Oregon (6.6), Pennsylvania (6.5), Idaho (6.4), Wisconsin (6.3), Montana (6.2), Michigan (6.0), Nevada (5.7), Connecticut (5.3), North Carolina (5.3), and Washington (5.3). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending Jan. 23 were in Oregon (+4,336), Puerto Rico (+2,439), and Hawaii (+18), while the largest decreases were in California (-22,674), Michigan (-11,757), North Carolina (-9,546), Georgia (-7,588), and Missouri (-7,577).

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

Ken Eggleston
360 North Westfield St.
$5,000 — Interior renovations

Southgate Properties, LLC
830 Suffield St.
$120,000 — Renovation to produce and deli area

AMHERST

Trustees of Hampshire College
Public Safety Building
$10,000 — Transaction counter remodel

CHICOPEE

Septembers Restaurant
92 View St.
$1,000 — Interior renovations

NORTHAMPTON

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge St.
$228,405 — Re-side buildings

Smith College
186 Elm St.
$117,000 — Renovate kitchen

Smith College
College Hall
$112,000 — Non-structural interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Fire District 1
438 Granby Road
$14,000 — Construction of a steel building

Loomis Village
246 North Main St.
$22,000 — Replace siding

  

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$103,000 — Interior modifications

City of Springfield
36 Court St.
$574,000 — Restore windows on first, second, and third floors

East Columbus Ave., LLC
933 East Columbus Ave.
$11,000 — Interior office renovations

Mass. Development
1550 Main St.
$268,000 — Interior renovations

Robert Kushner
888 Sumner Ave.
$3,000 — Alterations for church occupancy

Springfield Preservation Trust
77 Maple St.
$118,000 — Structural stabilization

WESTFIELD

Frank Lucia
152-154 Elm St.
$15,000 — Interior remodel

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ashley Associates, LLC
73 State St.
$120,000 — Renovate 615 square feet of space

Fred Aaron
1680 Riverdale St.
$10,000 — Update storage area for new tenant

George Smarz
777 Riverdale St.
$303,000 — Build a 5,275 square feet of commercial space

By
Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

March 19: Breakfast Series, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Deerfield Inn. Program speakers: John Fabel, inventor, educator, entrepreneur, and bike nut; innovative green-technology businesses including Sylvan Cycles, Qteros, and Ecotrek. Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank. Cost: members $12, non-members $14. To make reservations, call (413) 773-5463 or e-mail [email protected] by March 16.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

March 4: Leadership Holyoke Program, sponsored by PeoplesBank. Presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Holyoke Community College. Speakers, discussions, classroom time, and field trips are included in this 11-week session. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for details.

March 17: St. Pat’s Salute Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., sponsored by PeoplesBank. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $20. Call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 for reservations.

March 24: Table Top Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. (snow date March 30), presented by the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, and Northampton Chambers of Commerce. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. The public is invited. Cost: $5; vendors $100 for a table. Call (413) 534-3376 or any of the chambers to reserve a table.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

March 3: Arrive@5, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Calvin Coolidge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for Northampton. Cost: members $10, guests $15.

March 17: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center.

March 24: 16th Annual Table Top Expo, 4:30 to 7 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Cost: $5 in advance, $10 at the door.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
413-283-6425

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

Please see the chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

By
Departments

Hampden Bancorp Declares Dividend

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. recently announced a net loss for the three months ended Dec. 31 of $670,000 as compared to a net profit of $190,000 for the same period in 2008. The decrease in net income was primarily due to an increase in the provision for loan losses of $1.5 million for three months ended Dec. 31, compared to the three months ended Dec. 31, 2008. The increase in the provision for loan losses is due to increases in loan delinquencies, increases in non-accrual loans, increases in impaired loans, growth in the loan portfolio, and general economic conditions. The company’s total assets increased $7.2 million, or 1.3%, from $567.7 million on June 30, 2009 to $574.9 million on Dec. 31, 2009. Net loans, including loans held for sale, increased $21.7 million, or 5.6%, to $409.3 million on Dec. 31, 2009, and securities decreased 6.7% or $7.7 million, from $116.1 million to $108.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2009. Deposits increased $22.9 million, or 6.0%, to $404.4 million on Dec. 31, 2009 from $381.5 million on June 30, 2009. Thomas R. Burton, president and CEO, noted he was disappointed to be reporting a loss; however, he added that the bank’s strong capital position leaves it “well-postured” to weather the difficult economic storm and to capitalize on opportunities as they arise. In other news, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share, payable on Feb. 26, 2010, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 12.

Mercy Offers Latest GE MRI Technology

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center now offers the Signa HDx 3.0T MR system, by GE Healthcare, delivering the most advanced detailed images of the human body with increased speed, better resolution, and unique applications. The 3.0T MR scanner is noted for delivering high field strength that provides higher-resolution imaging, according to Dr. Gregory E. Blackman of the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Blackman added that the scanner features allow for more-distinct margins in patients who present with breast tumors, provide more detailed and accurate images of the spine, and greatly facilitate liver and vascular exams. Dr. William Bithoney, chief medical officer for the Sisters of Providence Health System and chief operating officer of Mercy Medical Center, noted that the acquisition of the 3.0T MR scanner is another example of Mercy’s ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding health care through the use of state-of-the-art technology. The MR system provides MRI exams through a joint venture with Alliance Imaging Inc.

Tighe & Bond Receives Award

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond recently received an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut (ACEC) for the Route 34 Roadway Improvement Project in New Haven, Conn. The award was presented Jan. 21 at ACEC’s annual awards banquet following a competition open to firms engaged in the practice of consulting engineering in Connecticut. Tighe & Bond developed roadway-improvement concept plans to support the traffic generated by the $467 million Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, as well as to address existing operational and safety deficiencies along the Route 34 expressway and the frontage roads. The firm completed a comprehensive transportation engineering study required by the City of New Haven and the State Traffic Commission. Improvements to the adjacent roadway network were deemed necessary to mitigate the identified traffic issues. The centerpiece of Tighe & Bond’s design is a modern roundabout, unique in that it is located at the end of the Route 34 Expressway and provides access to a parking garage. Tighe & Bond also prepared the design for other roadway improvements, including highway ramp widening, geometric modifications along the Route 34 Expressway, widening North Frontage Road to provide additional turning lanes, and the design of a new, state-of-the-art traffic-control signal system involving 12 traffic signals operated and monitored by the City Traffic Management Center. Following the completion of the design and issuance of all permits, Tighe & Bond worked collaboratively with Yale-New Haven Hospital and Turner Construction Co. to administer the construction phase of the project. Construction of the $5 million project started in May 2008 and was substantially complete by October 2008, meeting an aggressive five-month construction schedule. Tighe & Bond shared the ACEC award with Yale-New Haven Hospital. In related news, the Route 34 Roadway Improvement Project also received a 2009 Achievement in Civil Engineering Award from the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers.

GCB Opens Branch in Shelburne Falls

SHELBURNE FALLS — Greenfield Co-operative Bank (GCB) recently observed the grand opening of its newest office at 33 Bridge St. The new full-service office offers a full array of savings and checking services, safe-deposit boxes, residential mortgage loans and home-equity lines of credit, consumer loans, a coin-counting machine, a 24-hour ATM, and a night depository. Through its Web site at www.bestlocalbank.com, GCB also offers customers free 24-hour ‘E-Access,’ providing online banking and bill-paying services. The bank also offers free, 24-hour E-Z Access telephone banking. Additionally, through its GCB Financial Services division, the bank makes available a full line of non-deposit investments such as annuities and life-insurance products through its arrangement with MML Investor Services and Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Registered representatives Michael Johnson, assistant vice president; and Sharon Connery, financial services professional, will be available to meet with customers by appointment at the Shelburne Falls office. The new office will also have a community room that the bank will make available at no charge on a reservation basis to nonprofit, civic, and educational groups in the community. GCB is a mutual, cooperative bank with five offices and more than $280 million in assets.

Students Pass Photovoltaics Program

SPRINGFIELD — All of the students who recently completed the Photovoltaic Practitioner Certificate Program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) passed the entry-level knowledge exam administered by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, according to Mary Breeding, assistant vice president at STCC. Breeding added that the program has also been awarded program accreditation by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. Due to the popularity of this program, Mike Kocsmiersky of SolarWrights Inc. has begun teaching another course through the Center for Business and Technology this month. The Photovoltaic Practitioner Certificate Program is designed for architects, engineers, electricians, general contractors, and those interested in developing a career in photovoltaics. The course provides comprehensive coverage of stand-alone, utility-interactive, and dedicated-load applications for solar electricity. Curriculum development and acquisition of lab equipment is being supported by a $150,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Baystate Rug Receives Award

CHICOPEE — Baystate Rug and Flooring was recently named Mohawk Floorscapes Northeast Flooring Store of the Year. Mohawk chose Baystate Rug based on sales, growth, marketing principles, and best practices. Baystate Rug is a family-owned business that has served both business and residential customers for more than 30 years.

Chicopee Company Updates Its Name

CHICOPEE — Time Plus Payroll Services has changed its name to Pioneer Payroll Services to better reflect the ever-growing list of services it provides to companies. The Time Plus name and brand is the payroll-software and corporate group that Pioneer Payroll Services uses to perform its various payroll and timekeeping services. Pioneer Payroll Services also provides workers’ compensation, an HR Support Center, Pay Card, and electronic timekeeping. The company is located at 21 Old Chicopee St., and early in 2010, it will update its Web site to www.pioneerpayroll.com. E-mail may be sent to [email protected].

Life Laboratories Achieves Accreditation

SPRINGFIELD — Life Laboratories has been awarded accreditation by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on a recent on-site inspection. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the previous two years. Inspectors also examine the staff’s qualifications, lab equipment, facilities, safety program and record, as well as the overall management of the laboratory. The inspection program is designed to specifically ensure the highest standard of care for the laboratory patients.

Life Laboratories employs 230 people and conducted over 2.7 million test results in the past year. In addition to the main laboratory, located at Mercy Medical Center at 299 Carew St., there are 16 patient service centers located throughout Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. An outreach program also services more than 50 long-term care facilities. CAP is a medical society serving nearly 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world.

By
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

Comcast Spotlight v. J & J Home Improvement
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $36,605.70
Filed: 12/11/09

Hank J. Lane v. Big Y Foods Inc.
Allegation: The plaintiff bit into a snowflake roll containing a razor, causing injury: $2,598
Filed: 12/29/09

Planned Furniture Promotions Inc. v. John M. Glover Agency
Allegation: Negligent insurance services resulting in substantial pecuniary damages: $90,000
Filed: 12/18/09

TD BankNorth v. Ryan Mortgage Group Inc. and Timothy P. Ryan
Allegation: Non-payment of two promissory notes: $315,025.85
Filed: 12/28/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Kenneth Malinowski v. National Industrial Portfolio, LLC and Westfield Development Associates and The Home Depot Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property, causing injury: $346,923.67
Filed: 12/23/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Thomas M. Conway v. Russell’s Automotive and Small Engine Repair
Allegation: Breach of contract to repair motor vehicle: $8,000
Filed: 12/23/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC v. Eagle Window New England
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned on a retail installment sales agreement: $5,673.13
Filed: 1/13/10

Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. v. MJ Promotions, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract for non-payment of shipping services rendered: $12,291.67
Filed: 1/14/10

The H. Lawrence Foster Co. v. Diverse Concrete Services Inc. and Coolidge Northampton, LLC & PM Construction Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials and services and breach of contract: $10,155
Filed: 12/28/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank v. Ghedini Preferred Food Distributor
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered on a credit-card account: $5,508.80
Filed: 12/10/09

NES Rentals v. Tetreault Masonry Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract for non-payment of rental equipment: $10,292.20
Filed: 11/27/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Abide Inc. v. Superior Plumbing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of asbestos-removal services: $5,306.61
Filed: 12/11/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Game Universe Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $6,720.89
Filed: 12/9/09

Digi-Key Corp. v. Gibraltes Manufacturing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $21,738.66
Filed: 12/10/09

John Deer Landscapes Inc. v. MC Growers
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,646.79
Filed: 12/17/09

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Arbor Construction Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of a workers’ compensation policy: $8,828.16
Filed: 12/11/09

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Nationwide Rock & Recycle Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of a workers’ compensation policy: $22,938.85
Filed: 12/11/09

USNE Inc. v. Pananas Grill & Bar Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $74,732.39
Filed: 12/11/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Wheeler Oil Co. Inc. v. Timberland Trucking, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of diesel fuel sold: $9,986.98
Filed: 12/14/09

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of February 2010.

AGAWAM

A-wam Rentals
396 Main St.
Walter A. Meissner

Hampden Brewing Co.
10 Shelley Lane
Douglas E. Reed

Lee’s Plastics
7E Mansion Woods Dr.
Soyoung Kim

AMHERST

Cobags USA
5 Flintlock Lane
Taloren, LLC

Confidential Design
433 West St.
Robert Wilson

CHICOPEE

Cabotville Coffee
165 Front St.
Octavia Anderson-Mackey

Champion Overland Doors Inc.
10 Riverview Terrace
Clifton Hall

Fend Photography
165 Front St.
Michael Chunyk

Lucky Design & Media
1 Springfield St.
Nathan Dumas

R.M. Enterprises
20 Shaw Park Ave.
Russell McClain

EASTHAMPTON

All About You, LLC
2 Mechanic St.
Marjorie Pietras

Easthampton Travel Inc.
116 Pleasant St.
Victoria Puza-Allen

Leclerc & Son Lawncare
45 Campbell Dr.
Christopher Leclerc

Small Bear Press
150 Pleasant St.
Gavin Grant

EAST LONGMEADOW

All Things Metal
15 Ainsle Dr.
Joyce Mackechnie

Mobile Marine
10 Garland Ave.
Lawrence Talbot

GREENFIELD

American Tax Service
239 Main St.
Jonathan Fein

Camels & Carpet Cleaners
221 Conway St.
Cameron Ward

Carsense Automotive
409 Deerfield St.
Raymond Perkins

Forsyth & Associates
278 Main St.
Curtis Forsyth

Hair Therapy
40 School St.
Jamie Young

HOLYOKE

AT & T Mobility
98 Lower Westfield Road
Karin Riggs

Herrera Auto Sales
395 Maple St.
Jose Herrera

Holyoke Laundromat
556 High St.
Thomas Sullivan

PO Art Company
48 Holy Family Road
Roy B. Vickery

Taylor Rental
14 Shawmut Ave.
Richard A. Clark Jr.

T & T Mini Market
869 Hampden St.
Roberto Rivera

Villa Rose Market
349 Main St.
Alessander Rafael Delorbe

LUDLOW

Old Cislak Farm
67 Jackie Dr.
Thomas Cislak

Roy’s Auto Service
935 Center St.
Roy Cote

Work of Art
11 Lockland St.
Arthur Lang

NORTHAMPTON

McFalcon Construction
270 Bridge St.
Jose Luis Falcon

Toward Harmony Tai Chi
16 Center St.
Charles William Ryan

PALMER

Carnivore Records
32 Burlingame Road
Keith Holuk

Hatch Web Solutions
2174 Main St.
Austin Hatch

  

Trinkets & Treasures
233 Wilbraham St.
Suzanne Ziff

SPRINGFIELD

Jordan’s Boarding Kennels
599 Tinkham Road
Rosemarie J. Masley

Kevin Conway Auto Sales
200 Orange St.
William M. McCarthy

Kim’s Nails
1003 St. James Ave.
In Sook Kim

La Base Xpress
2964 Main St.
Wilking A. Mateo

Laborer’s Unlimited
154 Phoenix Ter.
Flordilama Pasqual

Lamore’s Landscaping
75 Hampden St.
Donald Lamore

Orchard Wirles
32C Parker St.
Parooq A. Tahir

Ortiz Used Tires
83 Magazine St.
Maria Ortiz

Peppa’s Xpress
1060 Wilbraham Road
Giuseppe DeGuglielmo

S & R Doingtall Services
49 Oak Grove Ave.
Leslye A. Rivera

Santiago’s Tree Landscaping
2048 Page Blvd.
Harry E. Santiago

Springfield Nails
682 Belmont Ave.
Van Ly

The Clear Choice
144 Washington Road
Christine Wheeler

Total Property Maintenance
88 Butternut St.
Deborah A. O’Brien

Wheeler’s Convenience
597 Dickinson St.
Faiz Rabbani

Winn Residential
61 Longhill St.
Samuel Ross

WESTFIELD

DFA Group, LLC
22 Cherry St.
David A. Flaherty

Grass Roots Lawn Care
60 Pineridge Dr.
Matthew Richards

Image Flooring
404 Southwick Road
Wayne G. Bruneau

Jennifer Dorgan Cleaning Services
37 Allen Ave.
Jennifer Dorgan

Soups’ On, LLC
16 Union St.
Alice M. Dawicki

Vitaliy’s Property Maintenance
87 Birch Bluffs Dr.
Vitaliy Brover

Whip City Seafood, LLC
103 North Elm St.
Brian M. Donnelly

Your Rescore
116 Hampton Ave.
Raymond Wells

Zorra Designs, LLC
3 Gillette Ave.
Alexandria Melo

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AC Remodeling
45 Althea St.
Aleksander A. Gib

Express
51 Bridge St.
Oleg F. Sagan

Gateway Real Estate
383 Hillcrest Ave.
Ralph F. Rachele

Good Dog University
167 River St.
Kimberly Balboni

Jewelry
244 Memorial Ave.
Lien Chen

Joe’s Landscaping
62 Worthen St.
Joseph Schmidt

Kelly Bouchard DMD, PC
103 Van Deene Ave.
Kelly Bouchard

Larry’s Painting
79 Lathrop St.
Lawrence P. Kelly

Pioneer Precision Grinding
4 Barnard St.
Pioneer Tool Supply Corporation

Psycho Hobb’s Entertainment
17 Exposition Terrace
Tim Balestri

Strength and Conditioning
1425 Westfield St.
Julia Girman

By
Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Threadsafe Labs Inc., 87 Fillmore St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Jonathan Lukens, same. Django consultancy in Western Massachusetts.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Sodi Inc., 72 Prospect Hills Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ralph Capua, same. New and rehab construction and sales.

EASTHAMPTON

Mantis Signs Inc., One Adams St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Clay Carlson Crow, 13 Holyoke St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Specializing in screen-printed and embroidered apparel, signs, and graphic design.

FLORENCE

RHI Construction Inc., 128 Ryan Road, Florence, MA 01062. Thomas Malone, same. General Contractor.

Shankara Shakti Inc., 94096 Maple St., Florence, MA 01027. Hasmukh Patel, 22 Chestnut St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Real estate.

Whole Child Foundation for Complimentary Health Inc., 3 Bratton Court, Florence, MA 01062. Patricia Gantes, 30 North Maple St., Florence, MA 01062. Provides holistic services to children.

FRISKDALE

Mass Motion Inc., 8 Brookfield Road, Fiskdale, MA 01518. Terri Gordon Djelassi, 30 Holland, E. Brimfield, Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Dance training.

GREENFIELD

The Bill Petraveage Memorial Foundation Inc., 8 Hall Ave., Greenfield, MA 01301. Jason Burns, same. A non-profit organization founded to support teenagers and young adults in crisis.

  

MONSON

Western Mass Building Restoration Inc., 4 Fernhill Road, Monson, MA 01057. Fred Kupiec, same. Construction

PALMER

MD Logistics Service Inc., 3 Converse St., Suite 100, Palmer, MA 01069. Maurice Denner, same. Business services and management consulting.

PITTSFIELD

Twin Brother Hood Cleaning Co., 54 Alpine Trail, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Suzanne Chung, same. Restaurant range and hood cleaning.

SPRINGIFIELD

Masterpiece Professional Hair & Healing Studio Inc., 158 Chestnut St., Unit 1A, Springfield, MA 01103. Mandy Farber, 38 Ladeview St., Southwick, MA 01077.
Beauty salon.

Morning Light Beauty Center Inc., 1293 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Bing Chong Kou,1029 Elm St., Apt. 4B, West Springfield, MA 01089. Beauty salon.

School of Fish Inc., 1865 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01151. David James Szpakowski, 17 Gillette Ave., Springfield, MA 01118. Tropical fish, pet, and horticulture sales.

SOUTHBRIDGE

Schofield On Line Enterprises Inc., 90 Prince Road, Southbridge, MA 01550. Beverly Schofield same. E-Commerce

SOUTHAMPTON

Wild West Brewing Company, 12 Geryk Ct., Southampton, MA 01073. Jeanette Rizos, same. Farmer’s brewery operation.

By
Departments

Andrea C. Miller was recently named Manager of the Center for Human Development’s Services and Supported Housing program. The program provides services, treatment, and case management for families in Hampden and Hampshire counties who have experienced long-term homelessness or housing instability.

•••••

Todd B. Speed has been appointed Vice President and Director of Investment Strategy for Berkshire Bank. Speed, a chartered Financial Analyst, will help drive investment strategy including security selection, asset allocation, identification of pertinent investment themes, and implementation of risk-management practices as part of the bank’s asset-management and trust group. He will be based at the bank’s headquarters at 66 West St., Pittsfield.

•••••

Dr. Ziad Kutayli has joined the Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, where he will specialize in colorectal surgical services with Dr. Kelly Tyler. Kutayli is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Assoc., and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. He will see patients at Baystate Surgical Associates, 3300 Main St., Springfield.

•••••

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. announced the following:
• Kathleen Mary Kane has been honored with the 2010 Eastern Region Managing Director Leader Award; and
• Western New England College student Jenny May Catuogno has been honored with the 2010 Eastern Region College Leader Award. The honors recognize Kane and Catuogno, affiliated with the Zuzolo Financial Group based in Springfield, for an outstanding year of performance with Northwestern Mutual, serving the financial-security needs of clients and policy owners throughout the region.

•••••

A short video of West Springfield professional organizer Mary Martone is currently on the front page of MSN’s national Health & Fitness Web site, at healthyliving.msn.com. The site provides medical information and content from well-known sources for consumers looking for the latest news and advice on personal and family wellness. Martone has been a professional organizer for more than 15 years and also offers articles on her Web site, www.mmartone.com.

•••••

Attorney José A. Aguiar has joined the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy P.C. in Springfield as a Litigation Associate. His practice area is commercial litigation, which includes all areas of civil litigation.

•••••

MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has added Dan Caple to its sales team in the South/Central Division. Caple has joined MassMutual as Managing Director, and will be responsible for business development and sales support of MassMutual’s third-party and dedicated distribution channels in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

•••••

Dan Jordan has been promoted to Vice President of Purchasing at Friendly Ice Cream Corp. in Wilbraham. Jordan is responsible for purchasing and material-planning functions.

•••••

Sally Imhoff , a Certified Public Accountant, has joined the firm of Aaron Smith Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants in East Longmeadow as a Senior Accountant.

•••••

Joanne M. Carney recently retired as Associate Director of the U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds after close to 35 years of federal service. She served as a Clinician Dietitian and Chief of Dietetic Service as well as the facility’s Public Relations Manager during her years at the center.

•••••

Catherine D’Amato has been elected a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. She is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Food Bank.

•••••

Dr. Katharine White, specializing in family-planning health-care services, has joined Baystate Wesson Women’s Group in Springfield. She is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

•••••

Dr. Azad A. Jabiev has joined the Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He specializes in endocrine surgery. He is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery.

By
Departments

Check This Out

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Mass. gives grants to nonprofits in the area that help children, and recently, $4,000 was awarded to Link to Libraries based in East Longmeadow. Here, Janet Crimmins, co-founder of Link to Libraries, receives the check at ceremonies at Pottenger School in Springfield, which received a donation of 150 books for the school library. Following the presentation, Link to Libraries conducted a Read Aloud program for students, in which a picture book was read and each student received a free book to bring home and share with family and friends.

Engineering Excellence

Westfield-based Tighe & Bond recently received an Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut (ACEC) for the Route 34 Roadway Improvement Project in New Haven, Conn. The award was presented on Jan. 21 at ACEC’s annual awards banquet following a competition open to firms engaged in the practice of consulting engineering in Connecticut. Here, Chris Granatini, P.E. (center) accepts the award on behalf of Tighe & Bond.

Heart to Heart

The Second Annual Heart to Heart gala was staged Feb. 6 to benefit Rick’s Place, the Wilbraham-based organization, founded in honor of 9/11 victim Rick Thorpe, that provides support to grieving children and their families. At left, Shelly Bathe Lenn, left, executive director of Rick’s Place, prepares to draw the winning ticket for the grand prize in the raffle as board member Bill Scatolini and Jennifer Boudreau look on. Below, board members and administrators gather for a group photo. From left: Dr. Matt Haluch, Ken Tobias, Dan Sheehan, Amy Selvia-Smith, Carole Mangels (program coordinator), Brian Bracci, Bathe Lenn, Gina Kahn, Rick Hill, Mike Hassett, Glen Garvey, Tina Kuselias, Scatolini, Christina Cracci, and Mark Brannigan.

Design of the Times

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (center) and UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert Holub (far right) were among several Springfield and UMass officials swinging sledgehammers recently to dedicate the start of renovations to 3-7 Elm Street. That property, in Court Square across from City Hall, will be the location of the new UMass Design Center, which will house faculty, staff, and graduate students, and will undertake projects such as park improvements, urban planning, and conservation upgrades that will benefit the city. In addition to storefront offices, the building will also feature a design studio on the ground floor and low-rent apartments on the upper floors.

Camp Friendly’s

17-year-old Trevor Bynum of Springfield (left) says ‘thank you’ in American Sign Language to Friendly’s president and CEO, Ned Lidvall. Lidvall recently welcomed Bynum to Friendly’s corporate office for the annual kickoff of Cones for Kids for Camp Friendly’s. Bynum is hearing-impaired and has benefited since he was a young child from Easter Seals Camp at Agassiz Village in Poland, Maine. Since 1981, Friendly’s has been raising money for Easter Seals so that kids with disabilities, like Trevor, can enjoy Camp Friendly’s programs. Friendly’s raised $144,000 in Massachusetts alone last year and ran its 2010 Cones for Kids program through Feb. 13 in every Friendly’s restaurant.

Ovations

Mime Robert Rivest delivers a performance in the Ovations series of cultural and educational events at Springfield Technical Community College. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this spring, Ovations is sponsored in part by Chicopee Savings Bank. Events in the series are presented for STCC students and the general public.

Black History Month

Springfield Technical Community College Nursing professor Anne Mistivar-Payen, right, who is seeking relatives in Haiti, is presented with a Reflections lamp by Myra Smith, vice president for Human Resources and Multicultural Affairs. All Black History Month events at the college this year were dedicated to the Haitian people, and fund-raising proceeds will be donated to Haiti relief efforts.

By
Departments

Step Afrika! At WSC

Feb. 2: Westfield State College begins Black History Month with a performance by Step Afrika!, an internationally known step team, at 7:30 p.m. in Dever Auditorium. Step Afrika!’s performance covers the history of step, from gumboot to Zulu styles. The college’s So Seductive step team will open the performance. The show is free and open to the public; however, reservations are recommended. Donations will be collected for relief efforts in Haiti. For more information on reservations, contact Jessika Murphy at [email protected].

PodCamp Western Mass.

Feb. 6: From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., area residents are welcome to participate in PodCamp Western Mass. at the Horace Mann Center, Western Avenue, Westfield. PodCamps promote education, innovation, and collaboration between new-media enthusiasts and professionals, including bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, social networkers, as well as the people who read, watch, and listen to them. Attendees are encouraged to bring laptops, power strips, and cameras, and can come and go as their schedule allows. The cost is $20, which includes a box lunch and morning refreshments, or $5 for students. Attendance is limited to 100 people. Pre-registration is available via EventBrite (pcwm2.eventbrite.com). Westfield State College is serving as the lead sponsor of PodCamp.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: The Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fund-raiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in the South Tower of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place Inc. was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers bi-weekly bereavement support at no cost to families with children ages 5 to 18. Tickets for the 6 to 11 p.m. fundraiser are $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director, at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Economic Meet and Greet

Feb. 26: A free economic meet-and-greet affair featuring attorney and economist Walker F. Todd is planned at the Clarion Inn and Suites, 161 Bridge St., East Windsor, Conn., hosted by the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), based in Great Barrington. The 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. event will provide the public with a chance to meet AIER staff and research fellows. Appetizers and a cash bar will be provided. AIER’s publications will also be available for sale. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (888) 528-1216, ext. 3205, or by sending an e-mail to sally.[email protected].

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30, 2010: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By
Departments

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

Anderson, Mark K.
36 Graves Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Barton, Gerald D.
31 Summer St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/09

Beane, Kimiye M.
780 Tinkham Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Bergmann, Michael
55 North Main St., Apt. 14
So. Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Bertsch, Gregory J.
Bertsch, Cheryl Avonti
19 Rainbow Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Berube, Nicholas F.
Berube, Amy M.
145 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Birger, Cheryl L.
a/k/a Baer, Cheryl L.
64 Old Lane Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Bock, Matthew P.
Bock, Lisa A.
457 Elm St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Bradbury, Peter C.
Bradbury, Kelly A.
164 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Brockney, Diana L.
713 West Royalston Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Brodeur, Martha Jane
82 South Maple St., Apt. 10
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Brown, Kathy A.
45 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Brunelle, Timothy W.
122 Squire Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Bulley, Christopher A.
14 Scott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Burdick, Patricia R.
216 Grove St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Burke, Shelly M.
31 Gilman St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Caillias, Thomas C.
96 Seymour St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Catapano, Paul Matthew
96 Seymour St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Chase, Tammy J.
a/k/a Gordon, Tammy J.
52 Lombard Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Chistolini, Marc William
Chistolini, Karen R.
52 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Colesano, Eleanor Lee
a/k/a Colesano, Ellie L.
87 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Complete Coverage Painting
Dolinger, Jacob Ian
Dolinger, Elizabeth Emeline
a/k/a Benting, Elizabeth E.
a/k/a Elizabeth E. Be Green
a/k/a Elizabeth E. Perennials
543 Fox Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Cordero-McCall, Lisa A.
222 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Counter, John J.
Counter, Patricia A.
427 Mountain Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Daly, Elizabeth A.
78 Lyman St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Daniels, Christine Ann
81 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Davis, Christopher Allan
84 Canal Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

DC Cleaners
Geyster, David
350 Riverbend St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/09

DeBettencourt, Matthew Peter
DeBettencourt, Amber Lee
72 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

DeBlois, Claire H.
27 Aspen Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

DeJesus, Maria Lourdes
40 North Boulevard
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Denardo, Lisa L.
124 North Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Dufault, Richard Andrew
Dufault, Rebecca Anne
41 West Summit St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Dunbar, Patricia M.
9 K St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/09

Dunphy, Michael M.
84 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Durocher, Doreen M.
PO Box 15
West Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Famosi, Linda J.
Safe Passage
43 Center St., #304
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Faustini, Deanna M.
29 Dean St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Fitzsimmons, Michael J.
Fitzsimmons, Lynne D.
117 Main St., Apt. 2L
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Fogel, Evan G.
16 Forbes Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Gaughran, Robert D.
266 Park St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Gillespie, Jennifer R.
65 Federal St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/09

Goncalves, Andrea L.
1024 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Goretskiy, Veniamin F.
Goretskiy, Vera I.
16 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Gray, Arthur R.
Gray, Elizabeth A.
814 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Gutowski, Nicole E.
63 Worcester St., 1st
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Harvey, Gerald M.
Harvey, Irene F.
18 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Hervieux, Thomas E.
23 May Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Jenks, Shaun R.J.
17 Valley View Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/28/09

Kelley, Jr., James J.
Kelley, Elizabeth
P.O. Box 1287
100 Reed Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Kenney, James F.
66 School St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Khampaeng, Chan
517 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Klimek, Thomas Edward
Klimek, Marjorie Truchan
186 Higher Brook Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Kurkulonis, Linda J.
29 Columbus St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

  

Kuzia, Judd J.
77 National Bridge Road
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/09

Leastman, Sherry A.
56 Coolidge Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

LeBlanc, Jason
LeBlanc, Kimberly A.
a/k/a Stevenson, Kimberly A.
86 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Lunt Silversmiths Inc.
298 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Malloy, William R.
Malloy, Lisa A.
342 Notch Road
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Mangan, Louise J.
96 Anzio Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Manzi, Andrew S.
Manzi, Martha M.
25 Howard St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

McGuirk, Scott Thomas
61 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

McKeever, Eileen A.
a/k/a Aguilar, Eileen
1557 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Metzdorf, Andrew Thomas
52 Hardy St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Metzdorf, Peter Joseph
Metzdorf, Ann Elizabeth
268 Palmer Road
Trailer #56
Palmer, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Miguel, Reyes
Maria, Ramos
6 Decker Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/09

Mock, Janet M.
a/k/a Curtis, Janet
52 Aster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/09

Montesdeoca, Myrna
Scott, Adrienne
21 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/09

Morelli, Bruce J.
Morelli, Laura J.
280 Eagle St
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Moriarty, Debra A.
42 Morris St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/09

Nager, Leslie M.
356 Park St., Apt. 109
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Norbut, Richard F.
Moriarty, Darlene J.
133 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Northeast Plumbing and Heating
Walker, William A.
16 Ramah St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Nyiri, Page Joseph
30 Grove St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Penalbert, Maria
8 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Platek, Paul D.
Herzig, Karen R.
1196 Bernardston Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/09

Pratt, Diane L.
93 Pomeroy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Presho, Michele A.
31 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Reede, Sally Anne
485 South St., Apt. 502
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/09

Reister, Virginia A.
119 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Roberts, Paul E.
116 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Rodriguez, Amy L.
661 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Rogalski, Rick J.
Lepage-Rogalski, Nicole K.
23 Admiral St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/09

Roman, Sandra I.
51 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Rubner, Todd R.
73 Maple St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Ruiz, Jennifer
a/k/a Sanchez, Jennifer
134 Union St. #39
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Russell, Angela Gail
a/k/a Telega, Angela G.
9B Elm Circle
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Sanchez, Fabian
P.O. Box 70562
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/09

Sanchez, Jose Antonio
Rivera, Sujei
58 Vinton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Santiago, Arberto
Santiago, Jeannette
a/k/a Davila, Jeanette
15 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Sargentelli, John R.
Sargentelli, Carolanne
31 Wildwood Dr.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Sattari, Mehdi N.
2 Summer St., Apt #2
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/09

Seabrooks, Ulysses
73 Edgewood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/09

Shevchenko, Andrey Y.
Shevchenko, Alla
12 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/09

Shiner, Eric
36 Boylston St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Stark, Kevin J.
754 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/09

Surprenant, Raymond J.
Surprenant, Denise M.
5 Maple St
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Tattoo Andy
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
Barrett, Andrew T.
51 Phelps St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Thomas, Janet E.
1472 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Truehart, Beverly P.
328 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/09

Turgeon, Corrine Ann
a/k/a Perry, Corrine Ann
24 Water Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

Tyler, Julie A.
114 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/09

Vecchia, Janet Ann
415 Ingleside St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/09

Walker, Dolores M.
12 Bolton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/09

Wheble, Robert J.
Wheble, Christine D.
a/k/a Vincellette, Christine D.
43 Brianna Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/09

Wilbur, Trevor S.
14 Phillips Hill
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/09

By
Departments

Foreclosure Petitions by Lenders Surge 28%

BOSTON — The number of foreclosures initiated in Massachusetts jumped 28.1% in 2009 to 27,928 from 21,804 in 2008, but was 5.5% below the level in 2007, according to the latest report from the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. The number of completed foreclosures, meanwhile, declined 25.4% to 9,269 last year from 12,430 in 2008, but was still 21.1% ahead of the 7,653 foreclosures recorded two years earlier. Foreclosure petitions, the first step in the foreclosure process in Massachusetts, reached 2,060 in December, a 6.4% increase from 1,937 in November and 26.8% higher than the 1,625 petitions filed in December 2008. The number of foreclosure petitions exceeded 2,000 for most months in 2009, falling below that number only in January and November. In December, there were 857 foreclosure deeds, a 22% jump from November’s 702 deeds but an 8.4% drop from the 936 deeds recorded in December 2008. Foreclosure deeds represent completed foreclosures. Foreclosure deeds fluctuated throughout the year, peaking at 978 in January. The Warren Group also tracked slightly more auction announcements in 2009. A total of 19,441 auction announcements were tracked in 2009, a 0.9% increase from 19,270 in 2008. Auction announcements in December totaled 1,931, a 13.3% drop from 2,226 in November but a 60.1% jump from 1,206 during the same month in 2008.

Firm Closes $34.5M Financing, Hires CEO

WILBRAHAM — FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp. recently closed a $34.5 million Series B financing round and has hired a new chief executive officer. The Series A venture investor Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield and Byers has been joined by a syndicate of three major new investors in the Series B — a Goldman Sachs-managed investment fund, Technology Partners, and VantagePoint Venture Partners for the financing package. Following the closing of the Series B financing, Lars A. Andersen joined FloDesign as CEO, effective Jan. 4. Andersen will be responsible for managing FloDesign’s transition from a research-and-development organization to a leading renewable-technology-manufacturing company. FloDesign’s previous CEO and co-founder, Stanley Kowalski III, will remain with the company as vice president. FloDesign is developing high-efficiency shrouded wind turbines based on the application of mature aerospace technologies. In addition to the private financing raised by the company, it was also recently awarded an $8.3 million grant as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy Program.

Massachusetts Unemployment at 9.4%

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development recently reported that Massachusetts’ unemployment rate rose to 9.4% in December from the revised November rate of 8.7%. The state rate remains below the national unemployment rate, which was 10.0% in December, the same as the November rate. In Massachusetts, education and health services, government, other services, manufacturing, and financial activities added jobs in December, while trade, transportation and utilities, leisure and hospitality, construction, professional, scientific and business services, and information recorded job losses. Jobs were down 8,400 for December. At 3,164,000, jobs are down 66,200 or 2.0% from one year ago. The labor force declined by 22,000 in December, with 43,100 fewer state residents employed and 21,100 more residents unemployed. In December, 3,108,600 residents were employed, and 323,200 residents were unemployed. At 3,431,800, the labor force was down 800 from December 2008, with 104,300 fewer residents employed and 103,500 more residents unemployed. The unemployment rate is based on a monthly sample of households, while the job estimates are derived from a monthly sample survey of employers. As a result, the two statistics may exhibit different trends.

Report: Small Businesses Still Struggling

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Small Business Assoc. recently released its 2009 Year-End Economic Report, which shows that small businesses continue to struggle under the lagging economy and the ongoing credit crunch. The number of small businesses citing decreases in revenue over the past 12 months rose to its highest point since 1993, and 39% report that they are unable to get adequate financing for their business. Despite a dismal latter half of 2009, however, there is a small silver lining — a majority of small businesses (52%) expect growth opportunities in the coming 12 months. For the first time in two years, there was a slight increase in the number of small businesses who are confident in the future of their own business — up from 58% in July 2009 to 61% in December 2009. Although a positive shift, the downside is that more than one-third (39%) of small-business respondents have concerns about the ongoing viability of their business. According to the report, 64% of small-business owners reported decreases in revenues, up from 62% in July 2009. Job growth also continued to suffer. Despite a three-point increase in the number of small-business owners who created new jobs in the last 12 months, there was also an increase in the number who cut jobs — up from 41% in July 2009 to 44% in December 2009. Looking ahead to 2010, growth projections appear to be on an upswing. Small-business owners also are projecting a net increase in jobs for the first time in over a year, with 24% projecting job growth while 18% expect job cuts. The survey was conducted the last two weeks in December 2009 among 450 small-business owners from across the country in every industry.

Venture Investment Declines in 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Venture capitalists invested $17.7 billion in 2,795 deals in 2009, marking the lowest level of dollar investment since 1997, according to the MoneyTree Report by Pricewaterhouse-Coopers and the National Venture Capital Assoc., based on data from Thomson Reuters. Venture investments in 2009 represented a 37% decrease in dollars and a 30% decrease in deal volume from 2008. It was the second consecutive year of annual deal and dollar declines. Investments in the fourth quarter of 2009 totaled $5.0 billion in 794 deals, a 2% decline in dollars but a 15% increase in deals from the third quarter of 2009, when $5.1 billion went into 689 deals. Double-digit declines in investments were spread across almost every industry, including clean technology, life sciences, and software. Investment dollars also fell across every stage of development category, with the exception of a 2% increase in seed-stage investments. First-time financings fell to the lowest dollar and deal level since the MoneyTree began reporting venture-capital investing in 1995. However, fourth-quarter investing did show increases in the number of first-time and early-stage deals completed, potentially marking the beginning of an uptick in investment levels for 2010.

Goncalves, 21 Others Accused in Bribery Sting

SPRINGFIELD — Following an undercover sting lasting almost two years, Amaro Goncalves, vice president of sales for Smith & Wesson, has been accused of bribing an African government in the hopes of securing a multi-million-dollar deal for its presidential guard. Additionally, 21 executives from a host of military and arms suppliers have been charged with conspiracy to launder money and violating the federal Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants agreed to pay an illegal 20% commission to a sales agent they thought represented the defense minister of an unnamed African government. The arrests were made in Las Vegas while the defendants were attending the 2010 Shooting, Hunting & Outdoor Trade Show.

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of January 2010.

AGAWAM

David Flynn
5 North Westfield St.
$5,500 — Construct exterior elevator shaft

AMHERST

Institute For Training and Development Inc.
8 Sunset Ave.
$9,500 — Third-floor bathroom remodel

Wesley Methodist Church Trustees
12 Pleasant Court
$10,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Housing Authority
630 Chicopee St.
$75,000 — Exterior renovations

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Health Center
230-234 Maple St.
$9,700 — Construct non-bearing partitions

NORTHAMPTON

Carol Radzik
35 New South St.
$12,000 — Install replacement windows

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St.
$25,000 — Add three antennas to existing and 1 cabinet in basement

Valley Community Development Corporation
16 North Maple St.
$6,000 — Interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Village
246 North Main St.
$17,500 — Renovation

SPRINGFIELD

556 St. James Corporation
556 St. James Ave.
$25,000 — Install three new antennas

  

Dunkin Donuts
805 Main St.
$58,000 — Interior remodel

Pediatric Care Associates
299 Carew St.
$61,000 — Build out of existing suite #201 at Mercy Hospital

Peter Pan Bus Lines
1280 Main St.
$26,500 — Cosmetic remodel of Dunkin Donuts

Springfield College
263 Alden St.
$88,000 — Renovate existing exercise area into visual and performing art center

Stafford Street Group, LLC
136 Nursery St.
$12,000 — New roof

Western Mass. Historical Collaborative
281 State St.
$280,000 — Renovate registered historical house for business use

WESTFIELD

Sons of Erin
22 William St.
$76,000 — Install handicap bathrooms

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Basare Properties, LLC
191 Baldwin St.
$63,000 — Roof reconstruction and door replacement

Clarion Hotel
1080 Riverdale Road
$63,000 — Re-roof

Helen Bonneau
2024 Riverdale St.
$14,000 — Roof repairs

By
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

Irene Redmond, administrator for the estate of Chester Wozniak v. Poet’s Seat Nursing Home and Laura Woznakewicz
Allegation: Negligence and wrongful death: $48,306
Filed: 1/8/10

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Pella Products, LLC v. Quality Builders, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $15,586.31
Filed: 12/23/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Juan and Jennifer Montoya v. C.R. Onsrud Inc.
Allegation: Product liability causing injury: $644,899.67
Filed: 12/28/09

Lindsey Pelletier v. Baystate Medical Center
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $500,000
Filed: 12/31/09

Maria Miller, executrix of the estate of Josephine Miller v. Country Estates Nursing, LLC
Allegation: Negligence in the care of a patient and negligent infliction of emotional distress: $1,000,000
Filed: 12/13/09

Verizon New England Inc. v. City of Chicopee
Allegation: Non-payment of relocation work performed: $86,406.35
Filed: 12/21/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Hannah Coler, et al v. Unicare Life & Health Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of contract and misrepresentation: $25,000+
Filed: 1/12/10

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Colvest/Northampton, LLC v. Cotton Tree Service Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract for use of land provided for snow storage: $21,000
Filed: 12/23/09

F.W. Webb Co. v. Atlantic Ground Source, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,993.64
Filed: 12/21/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Thomas and Cheryl Brown v. Breakers Resort, LLC
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive trade practices in the sale of a time-share unit: $5,478
Filed: 12/11/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Uncle Sam’s Pizza of Worcester Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $6,789.87
Filed: 12/17/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Mike’s Gym III
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,430.57
Filed: 12/22/09

F.S. Wellsford Company v. LDH Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,545.50
Filed: 12/21/09

High Priority Associates Inc. v. Heritage Coffee Shop
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,457.63
Filed: 12/18/09

John Deer Landscapes Inc. v. St. Claire Landscaping Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,772.92
Filed: 12/14/09

Nawana Hollaway, mother of Gianna Holloway v. Children’s Corner Daycare Center
Allegation: Negligent supervision of minor causing injury: $3,244.77
Filed: 12/18/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Desiree Bragan and Barry Lupovich v. General Motors, LLC & Bertera Dodge Chrysler Jeep Inc.
Allegation: Breach of Lemon Law and warranty: $18,727
Filed: 12/23/09

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC v. Tekoa Golf Inc.
Allegation: Default on retail installment sales agreement: $8,003.58
Filed: 12/30/09

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of January 2010.

AGAWAM

Campbell Management
12 Southwick St.
Geri Balicki

Robyn’s Nest Daycare
563 Shoemaker Lane
Robyn Riccio

Three Run Pictures
204 Lancaster Dr.
Christopher Rooney

AMHERST

Capital Market Team
71 Country Corner Road
James Linfield

River Enterprises
233 North Pleasant St.
Christopher Korczak

CHICOPEE

Best Electronic Supply
146 Farnsworth St.
Deborah Leff

Complete Removal
68 State St.
Dennis Ladue

Dabros Plowing
26 Holmes Dr.
Slawomir Dabros

Izzy’s Garage & Shop Inc.
582 Chicopee St.
Isaiah A. Salloom

Maine Oky
40 Haynes Circle
Bruce Albiston

Running Shoe Productions
585 Sheridan St.
Benjamin Ovackenbush

EASTHAMPTON

B & W Towing, Recovery & Auto Transport
3 West St.
Scott White

Charter Communications
186-A Northampton St.
Richard Dykhouse

EA Flood Photography
63 Parsons St.
Erica Flood

Frenchie Drywall
45 Ridgewood St.
Francois Turgeon

EAST LONGMEADOW

Cirtec Medical Systems
55 Deer Park Dr.
Deborah Oarts

Go Green Greeting Cards
80 Braeburn Road
Krystle Champagne

GREENFIELD

Adam & Eve
18 Main St.
Scott McGregor

C & C Landscaping
36 Revere Circle
Scott E. Coy

Hillside Woodworking
1173 Bernardston Road
Robert Callahan

Imagine
38 Bank Row
Ann Skowron Anushka

HOLYOKE

Adam Electrical
39 Elliot St.
Adam Fredette

Coppa Law Group
132 Allyn St.
Vittorio Coppa

Days Inn-Lakshmi Inc.
1515 Northampton St.
Arvino Patel

JR’s Mini Market
673 High St.
Ismael O. Santos

Salsa Rengue Inc.
392 High St.
Jose Obou

The Clover Pub
102-104 High St.
Michael Rigali

LUDLOW

Kitchen Works
35 State St.
Ronald Kretschmar

Maple R. Traveler
361 West St.
Randy Robare

Turnpike Acres Stove Shop
185 Miller St.
George Dupuis

NORTHAMPTON

More Than Skin Deep
150 Main St.
Diana Cerutti

Wood Pellet Price
6 Conz St.
Seth Fischer

PALMER

NuNorth
35 Stimson St.
Daniel Soruton

Vast Speaker Cabinets
32 Burlingame Road
Keith Holuk

SOUTHWICK

Christina Pahtmann
Compassionate Home Care
47 College Highway

  

SPRINGFIELD

Aquino Mini Mart
178 Oakland St.
William Aquino

CCNE
27 Carver St.
Monica June Caldwell

City Zone Supermarket, LLC
770 Main St.
Raney Shabaneh

Concentra Medical Centers
140 Carando Dr.
E.J. Thompson

Creating Comfort Outlet
1655 Boston Road
Jose E. Barina Jr.

D.A.M. Vending
203 Overland Ave.
Douglas A. Malley

Deniliva Inc.
1376 Boston Road
Steven Kowalski

Eddie Communication
847 Boston Road
Edwin Quinones

Exquisite Boutique
109 Bristol St.
Zoraya E. Gonzalez

Fresh Cutz
494 Central St.
Carlos Cosme

Garcia’s Landscape
294 Quincy St.
Juan J. Garcia

Ho Mei Restaurant
852 Main St.
Mei Ru Wang

Holyoke Nail II
471 Boston Road
Tho Huu Nguyen

Inspired Marketing
86 Russell St.
Jill C. Monson

J-n-D’s Fashion House
118 Stevenson Ave.
Diane Strickland

James A. Belden Snow
294 Harkness Ave.
James A. Belden

Jenny Beauty Salon
618 Belmont Ave.
Isaias Pena

WESTFIELD

Children Come First
288 Honey Pot Road
Marie D. Cheney

Diamonds Cut
246 Elm St.
Pete Nales

HeliMetric
36 Blue Sky Dr.
David W. Howard

Low Key Auto
174 Main St.
Brandon Furches

Mina’s Wine & Spirits
53 Elm St.
Mina Reshamwala

Pyrofax Propane
28 Arch Road
Timothy Casey

Redline Action Hobbies
53 North Elm St.
Libia Marco

Starlite Auto Body
215 East Main St.
Timothy Chapman

Timberline Tree Service
760 Montgomery Road
Edwin C. Rafus

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Dante Club Inc.
1198 Memorial Ave.
Mark A. Francocur

David Camp Sales & Furniture Restoration
23 Bonnie Brae Dr.
David Camp

Fred Astaire Dance Studio
54 Wayside Ave.
R.K.R. Dance Studio Inc.

Friendly’s # 847
1094 Riverdale St.
Catherine J. Smith

Maaco Auto Painting & Bodyworks
78 Sylvan St.
H & T Enterprises

MHHP Acquisition Co., LLC
85 Interstate Dr.
Roman Szarek

Murray Tax Services
1252 Elm St.
Kevin M. Murray

Sibley Property Services
101 Sibley Ave.
John Alexander Crocker

Supreme Brass and Aluminum Casting
210 Windsor St.
Domenico R. Rettura

Western Mass. Chimney Services
58 Sikes Ave.
Robert Boido

By
Departments

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

AMHERST

All College Inc., 161 North Pleasant St., Amherst MA 01002. Parker Holcomb, same. Student-owned and operated laundry service in the Pioneer Valley.

The Common Foundation Inc, 52 Hitchcock Road, Amherst, MA 01002
Jennifer Acker, same. Provides charitable, educational and scientific print subsidized and online content in the area of literature and the visual and performing arts to the public.

HPPR Inc., 55 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Harold Tramazzo, same. Restaurant business.

BELCHERTOWN

Danalevi Corp., 732 Daniel Shays Highway, Belchertown, MA 01007. Ross Hartman, same. Manufacturing service.

CHICOPEE

Auto Damage Appraisers of Chicopee Inc., 257 Hampden St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Ricci A. Tomassetti, same. Auto-damage appraisers.

FEEDING HILLS

Dave Anthony Photography Inc., 8 Marlene Dr., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. David A. Niedziela, same. Photography.

LONGMEADOW

Bently Management Group Inc., 696 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106 David Steinberg, 31 Brookwood Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Business Management.

NORTHAMPTON

Evolvegan Inc., 27 Highland Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Derek Goodwin, 2 Linden St. #2 Northampton, MA 01060. A nonprofit organization formed to create art, performance and media to educate and increase public awareness about the connections between dietary choice, personal health, cultural ethics, and global sustainable ecology.

  

SPRINGFIELD

DIF Inc., One Federal St., Springfield, MA 01105. Dennis Driscoll Jr., 150 Pine St., #114 Manchester, CT 06040. Digital imaging and graphic design

In My Father’s House Inc., 15 Olive St., Springfield, MA 01109. Elizabeth Garrett-Leak, same. Non-profit organization created to provide the following programs a free clothing, adult literacy, youth self-expressions, employment search, prayer sessions, and a resource lending library.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Anova Hearing Lab Inc., 425 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. James F. Caldarola, same. Hearing testing and distribution of hearing aids.

Led Trucking Inc., 96 Kings Highway, West Springfield, MA 01089. Elena Dipon, same. Transportation services.

WESTFIELD

Diamond Custom Coating, 3 Progressive Ave, Westfield, MA 01085. John Balicki, 15 Rosalie, Lane, Southampton, MA 01073. Custom painting and coatings.

Ily Corporation, 41 Caitlin Way, Westfield, MA 01085. Abdallah Faozi Ghalayini, same.

WILBRAHAM

CAGD, Inc., 29 Stonegate Circle, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Giuseppe Deguglielmo, same. Food service provider.

By
Departments

Warmth and Generosity

Baystate Mary Lane Hospital employees recently held a successful coat drive to benefit the Trinity Episcopal Church’s Jubilee Cupboard, the only emergency food pantry of its kind in Ware, which serves between 200 and 300 local families. “Through the many generous donations made by hospital employees, we have collected a record number of warm winter coats during our annual coat drive,” noted Joanne Champagne, radiology technologist and coat drive coordinator at the hospital. “We were very pleased with the generosity of our employees and the success of this year’s coat drive,” added Christine Shirtcliff, hospital president. “I am extremely proud of all of the employees who have offered coats to families who face hardship this year.” Pictured are, from left, Pat Gilmette, Champagne, and Michell Marchand, Radiology Department employees.

Pajama Party

Employees of HealthSouth of Ludlow recently delivered five large bags of brand-new pajamas to the Red Cross for local children affected by disasters. Here, Mary Nathan, left, director of Disaster Services for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, accepts the donation from Vicky Healy of HealthSouth. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money. Tax-deductible contributions may be mailed to the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, 506 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104. People may also donate at www.redcrosspioneervalley.org or by calling (413) 737-4306.

Alumni Reunion

Three alumni of the School of Business and Information Technologies at Springfield Technical Community College were honored at an Alumni Reunion on Jan. 21. From left are David E. Nicoll, manager of External Supply Chain for Karl Storz Endovision in Charlton; Bernadette J. Conte, assistant principal at Agawam High School; and the Honorable William J. Boyle, first justice of the Springfield District Court. The evening event was dedicated to the memory of former Business faculty John J. Godfrey and Michael J. Farrell.

By
Departments

Ten Points for Smarter e-mail

By ANN LATHAM

1. If you don’t know what you are trying to accomplish, don’t try to accomplish it via e-mail.

2.If your e-mail is going to lead to an e-mail, which is going to lead to another e-mail, which is going to lead — you get the idea — don’t use e-mail. Get on the phone or out of your chair and have a real conversation. Only use e-mail when you believe you can accomplish your purpose in one round trip — one message and one response.
3. Keep e-mail short and to the point. What specifically do you need from the other person? If detail or background information is necessary, use the first few sentences to clarify the question, assignment, decision, or other purpose.
4. Distinguish between requests for action and information (FYI). If you are simply keeping people informed, include an FYI at the top. You might want to let them know why you think they might be interested. Simply put, help people process your e-mail quickly.

5. If you read an e-mail that was just sent and requires a response, you are usually better off picking up the phone than replying by e-mail. A quick phone conversation can often prevent several e-mail rounds.

6. Providing options can speed results. This is particularly true if you are trying to schedule a meeting. “I can meet at these three times. Do any of these work for you?” This works for other situations too. “I can send you a draft, or we can arrange a time to talk on the phone first, or we can meet. Which makes sense to you?”
7. Don’t send a vague request to anyone, but especially not to multiple people. If multiple people receive a request, it is easy for them to assume the others will or should act, while they do nothing.
8. Don’t use e-mail for emotional or sensitive issues. You will spend more time later trying to undo the damage done by the misunderstandings.
9. If you write an e-mail when you are mad, wait 24 hours before sending it. Presumably by then you will realize that while writing it helped you out, sending it will help no one out!

10. Don’t reply-all unless you absolutely believe everyone needs to know.

Ann Latham, president of Uncommon Clarity, is a performance-improvement expert, consultant, facilitator, speaker, and author of Clear Thoughts – Pragmatic Gems
of Better Business Thinking; www.uncommonclarity.com

By
Departments

Ten Points About : Home and office security

By DAVID CONDON

1. Landscaping and lighting. Ensure that all entrances and windows are well-lit. Using motion-activated lights is an excellent deterrent. Keep bushes and shrubs small so a burglar can’t hide behind them. Plant bushes that grow thorns, whenever possible, below windows.

2. Locks. To resist breakins, buildings should have deadbolts on all outside doors. Areas with glass, such as doors or windows, should have locks designed to keep a burglar from breaking the glass and reaching in to gain access.
3. Keys. If you are going to give copies of your keys to employees, neighbors, relatives, or others, install locks that have key control so individuals who receive keys will not be able to make copies without your knowledge and authorization.
4. Doors. A lock is only as good as the door on which it is installed. Make sure that your doors are properly maintained.

5. Burglar alarms. Alarm systems are very easy to use, and new technologies have reduced the frequency of most false alarms. An alarm system can notify the proper authority in case of breakins, fire, flooding, medical emergencies, or carbon-monoxide detection.

6. Safes. Safes come in many different shapes, sizes, and types. When selecting a safe, you need to consider what you are planning to put in it. Things to consider are whether or not you need burglar protection, fire protection, or both, and where you are going to locate the safe inside your home. Fire safes by themselves will not protect media such as CDs, flash drives, and other electronic items, so additional protection is required.
7. Access control. Locks will keep a door secure, but they will not tell you who unlocked it or when. Access control can give you information on which employee or family member is coming and going, and when.
8. Cameras. Recorders are now digital and can store months of recorded footage. If something is stolen, use the video footage to find out who took it and when. Cameras come in many different sizes and styles.
9. Fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers should be close at hand in commercial buildings and homes. Seconds count when fighting a fire, and a fire extinguisher can be the difference between a small mishap and a devastating loss.

10. Fire alarm. An often-overlooked area is having your fire-warning system tested. Commercial buildings are required by law to be tested at least annually. Smoke detectors should be of the photoelectric type to ensure early warning of most home fires. Check and replace your batteries once a year.

David Condon is chief operating officer at Northeast Security Solutions Inc; (413) 733-7306; [email protected]

By
Departments

Security Summit

Jan. 27: The Massachusetts Information Security Summit (MassISS) will be featured at the Sheraton Springfield. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. and Associated Industries of Mass., the daylong program will highlight key aspects of the new state and federal information-security laws. Sten-Tel Transcription of Springfield and Peritus Security Partners of East Longmeadow are jointly hosting the summit. In addition, speakers and industry vendors will focus on providing objective information to help attendees develop a comprehensive compliance strategy. Breakout sessions will feature presentations by government and industry experts. For more information, visit www.massiss.org or call (888) 228-8646. For information on summit partners, visit www.sten-tel.com, www.peritussecurity.com, or www.massbar.org.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: The Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fund-raiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place Inc. was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers biweekly bereavement support at no cost for families with children ages 5 to 18. Tickets for the 6 to 11 p.m. fund-raiser are $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director, at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Berkshire Job Summit

Feb. 19: The Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield will be the setting for the first Berkshire Job Summit, a think tank of top employers in the region who will discuss a collaborative growth strategy, region-specific strengths and weaknesses, and potential action plans geared toward ending hiring freezes and steering Berkshire County toward a sustainable economic recovery. A letter to recruit employers to take part in the summit can be read at www.berkshirejobsummit.com. In addition to employers, members of local, regional, state, and federal government are invited to participate. For more information, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Chamber Delegation Trip

May 17-19: The Mass. Chamber of Business & Industry is leading a delegation to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Summit in May. Seminars include ‘Government Policies and How Business is Responding,’ ‘TradeRoots,’ ‘Leveraging Social Media to Build New Relationships,’ ‘Temperature Check: Free Enterprise in the Current Political Climate,’ and ‘Economic Outlook.’ In addition to seminars, several networking events include breakfasts, cocktail receptions, and a Technology Center exhibition. Accommodations are planned at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact Debra Boronski-Burack at [email protected].

By
Departments

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

Allen, Wayne A.
11 I St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Ayala, Dinorah
a/k/a Marquez, Dinorah Ayala
43 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Ball, Karen R.
735 Salisbury Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Bennett, Randy J.
Bennett, Sheila D.
61 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Biddle, Albert L.
2 School St., Apt. 3A
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/09

Britt, Betty L.
33 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/09

Burridge-Vohar, Donna L.
90 Pomeroy Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Burzynski, Teresa
Burzynski, Jean F.
32 Alderbrook Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Carey, Michelle E.
Carey, Russell J.
84 Grove St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Carlson, Martin Scott
3 Edward Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

Channell, Scott M.
49 Bridge St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/09

Charland, Alice Jeanne
26 Emerald Place
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Chase, Susanne M.
a/k/a Holt, Susanne M.
129 Litttle River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

Chester, Vernon A.
183 School St. North
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Clark, John W.
Clark, Amy M.
a/k/a Finocchio, Amy M.
6 Bellevue Ave. Ext.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Clendenin, Mark A.
Clendenin, Brenda L.
9 Shore Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Colon, Jennifer B.
3 Exeter St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/13/09

Conant, Denise M.
74 Walker Pond Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Cooley, Annette Madel
a/k/a Warren, Annette Madelene
93 Grochmal Ave. #28
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Coulombe, Robert Ronald
Coulombe, Claire Lucille
250 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/09

Cuffie, Adrienne Denise
235 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/09

Daviau, Lawrence A.
Daviau, Kathleen A.
168 Keddy St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Dawson, Brian K.
Dawson, Kimberly K.
186 Oakham Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/09

Dawson, Todd M.
Dawson, Taryn E.
a/k/a Begley, Taryn
a/k/a Lapalm, Taryn
88 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Doyle, Bridget A.
199 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/09

Doyle, John C.
157 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/09

Duncan, Tracy L.
a/k/a Manseau, Tracy L.
2 Dickinson Farm Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/09

Eljaoual, Abdeljalil
115 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/09

Evans, Douglas M.
70 Crest St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Fahey, Eric J.
214 Wisdom Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/02/09

Gardner, Dorothy Maria
PO Box 522
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/03/09

Gee, Jr., Capus
17 Santa Barbara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/09

German, Tywon
18 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/08/09

Gianninoto, Michael Stephen
26 Emerald Place
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Glenn, William D.
218 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Goodrich, Corey W.A.
87 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Greenwood, Todd M.
Greenwood, Kim M.
10 Washington Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/09

Hutchinson, Andrea L.
884 West Royalston Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Jones, Kevin E.
29 Hudson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Joseph, Ketty
414 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/09

Kmon, Jacques E.
92 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/09/09

  

LeBlanc, Robert P.
LeBlanc, Melissa M.
89 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Lepper, Tonia D.
71 Craig Dr., F-5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Mailloux, Jeannette R.
645 Warren Wright St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Marrero, Andres
8 Lilly Pond Road
P.O. Box 853
Goshen, MA 01032
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

Marrero, Mary
14 Harold St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

McDonald, Leslie Z.
a/k/a Mimitz, Leslie
21 Pantry Road
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

Melikian, Mark S.
71 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Millane, Lucille A.
42 Prospect St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Murray, Patricia A.
49 North St., Apt 3
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Odugbile, Adekunle O.
11 Stanley Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Pegoraro, Lisa A.
75 Angeline St.
West Springfield, MA 01089-2868
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Plourde, Clifford C.
Plourde, Marsha M.
790 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056-1651
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Ricard, Cheryl A.
8 Mt. Dan Road
Sturbridge, MA 01518
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/01/09

Rivera, Sandra Maria
a/k/a Mathis, Sandra M.
a/k/a Reyes, Sandra M.
23 Temby St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Roman, David Oliveras
Roman, Nereida Roman
83 Chalmers St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Roule, Lucille A.
19 Parker St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Sanchez, Elizabeth
Sanchez, Adalberto
100 B Rifle St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Seymour, Cheryl Ann
77 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/09/09

Sheets, William J.
Sheets, Shannon L.
a/k/a Moore, Shannon
54 Ruthven St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Skea, Teresa L.
258 Woodcrest Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/09

Snow, Mark E.
Snow, Linda J.
307 Martindal Road
Bernardston, MA 01337-9649
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/09

Stokes, Cynthia Melva
76 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/09

Stone, Deborah D.
250 Oak Grove Ave.
Apt. 314, 3d Floor
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Szczepanek, Kathi A.
10 Cottage St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Tardy, Jerome M.
Tardy, Kelly M.
57 Sanford St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Tetrault, Bruce
115 North Branch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Tetrault, Tara
49 Stockman St.
Springfield, MA 01114
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/09

Tetreault, Robert M.
21 Jimmy Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/09

Thayer-Reid, Susan
786 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Therrien, Mitchell K.
51 Warwick Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/09

Tirozzi, Margaret Mary
37 Mebla St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Tracz, Marek
Tracz, Beata
87 Bellanger St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/09

Upton, Donald J.
14 Titans Pier Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/15/09

Wadman, Carol L.
510 South Barre Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/04/09

Wilson, Brenda M.
135 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/13/09

Wilson, Chester L.
402 Chapin St., #8
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/13/09

Woicyk, Patricia A.
a/k/a Meyer, Patricia A.
90 Devon Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/02/09

Young, Larissa F.
832 Silver Lake St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/09

Zick, John E.
Zick, Karen M.
P.O. Box 404
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/09

Zuese, John R.
Zuese, Elaine
218 Nichols Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/01/09

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2009.


AGAWAM

Jason Lucas
40 Moylan Ave.
$40,000 — Construct office and break room

AMHERST

Boyden & Perron Inc.
41 South Whitney St.
$48,000 — Renovation of retail area

CHICOPEE

U.S. Tsubaki Inc.
106 Lonczak Dr.
$30,000 — New roof

EAST LONGMEADOW

CVS
217 North Main St.
$5,000 — Repair auto accident damage

Kevin Mattson
12-14 Somers Road
$100,000 — Interior and exterior renovation

Police Station
160 Somers Road
$48,000 — New roof

GREENFIELD

Chaffee Properties, LLC
62 Federal St.
$250,000 — Interior renovations

Girl’s Club of Greenfield
35 Pierce St.
$2,000 — Interior renovations

HADLEY

Sandy Pearson
173 Russell St.
$30,000 — Build out of two tenant spaces

 

  

HOLYOKE

Conklin Office Furniture
75 Appleton St.
$170,000 – Remove existing roof and install new

Merchant Devonshire LTD.
48-50 Holy Family Road
$15,000 — Install three antennas on rooftop

LONGMEADOW

Police Department & Fire Stations
34 & 44 Williams St.
$28,000 — Alterations

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
170 Glendale Road
$15,000 — Remove three antennas and install six new units

Forty Main Street Inc.
40 Main St.
$2,200 — Construct non-bearing wall with door on the third floor

SPRINGFIELD

Linden Towers, LLC
310 Stafford St.
$25,000 — Replace three antennas on rooftop

Phys. Associates, LLC
572 St. James Ave.
$54,000 — Remodel offices

WESTFIELD

Westfield G & E
100 Elm St.
$44,000 — Renovate third floor

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Departments

MassMutual Helps Beautify Neighborhood

SPRINGFIELD — A new Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) program is off to a fast start with a donation from its first ‘friend’ — the MassMutual Financial Group. The Friends of SHA aims to encourage public and private partnerships to improve the quality of life, education, and job opportunities for city residents, according to SHA Executive Director William Abrashkin. MassMutual was awarded a certificate of appreciation at the fall board of directors meeting for its $15,000 donation toward the Robinson Gardens Improvement Project. The donation allowed the SHA to purchase signage, hire a landscape architect, and landscape the grounds that face the intersection of Bay Street and Berkshire Avenue. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority has also agreed to install a new bus shelter adjacent to the landscaped property. Abrashkin hopes to identify similar needs around the city and develop public/private partnerships to address them.

Big Y Announces Store Changes

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. recently acquired the New Milford Pharmacy in New Milford, Conn., and also announced plans to close the Boston Road supermarket. The results of a recent customer business review led to the decision to close the Boston Road store, according to Big Y President Charles L. D’Amour. The business review included an evaluation of competitive markets within the area, continued lack of population growth within the trade area coupled with a challenging economic climate, as well as the imminent termination of the store’s lease. Many of the 130 employees at the 800 Boston Road market will be offered employment within other Big Y stores. These openings resulted from recent voluntary layoff packages offered before the end of 2009. D’Amour added that the store closing, along with the pharmacy acquisition, will help Big Y move forward with expansion plans for the coming year with intentions to develop two new locations and efforts to remodel five existing ones. In addition, the New Milford Pharmacy will represent Big Y’s 34th pharmacy, and most of the store’s pharmacists and employees will be offered positions at the new Big Y Pharmacy.

Academy Hill School Donor Issues Challenge

SPRINGFIELD — The newly created Crandall Family Scholarships will offer opportunities for inner-city students to attend the Academy Hill School on Liberty Street. The program, with scholarships totaling $35,000, is being funded through a gift from Roger and Gabrielle Crandall of Somers, Conn. Academy Hill is a private, independent day school that serves gifted and talented students in grades K through 8. The Crandall Family Scholarships are available to high-performing, minority students who are residents of Springfield and would otherwise be unable to afford tuition to Academy Hill. The Crandalls are also issuing a challenge for other potential donors to contribute to the scholarship fund. The Crandalls pledge to match those additional contributions up to $10,000. For more information about the scholarships or about Academy Hill itself, visit www.academyhill.org, or contact Marjorie Weeks, director of school advancement, at (413) 788-0300.

Cinemas Bought by Rave Motion Pictures

SPRINGFIELD — Rave Cinemas, LLC, a newly formed company, recently announced a definitive agreement with National Amusements Inc. (NAI) to purchase the business operations and selected real-estate assets of up to 35 NAI theaters, and that it closed on the acquisition of an initial group of 29 of those theaters. In Western Mass., Rave purchased Showcase Cinemas on Riverdale Street in West Springfield and in Springfield’s Eastfield Mall. Following the close of the acquisitions, Rave, which will operate under the Rave Motion Pictures brand name, anticipates it will own or manage 65 theaters and approximately 1,000 screens located in 20 states, and will have a presence in seven of the top 10 designated market areas in the country. Rave is expected to become the fifth-largest domestic circuit by box-office gross and number of screens.

Springfield Museums Receive Grants

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums recently received a $15,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to support Family Science Adventures and Art Discovery Center programs. The programs are part of the Family Learning and Springfield Access Card Initiative, a combination of family activities and a free admission program that encourages city families to visit the museums and participate in hands-on art, history, and science activities. The free programs are offered on weekends, school vacation weeks, and during the summer. In other news, the museums have been awarded a $28,300 organizational support grant for FY 2010 from the Mass. Cultural Council, a state agency. The support program provides funding to state cultural organizations of all sizes and disciplines that meet high standards of excellence in program quality, community participation, and organizational capacity. The museums’ award was in the multidisciplinary category, reflecting the diversity of the exhibits and programs offered by the art, history, and science museums at the Quadrangle. The Springfield Museums include the Springfield Science Museum, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Springfield History, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

SBID Selects Vendor for Guides Program

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID) has hired Securitas Security Services USA Inc. as the new vendor for the Downtown Guides program. Guides are seen as ‘ambassadors,’ and are the eyes and ears for downtown Springfield, according to SBID Director of Operations Chris Castellano. He added that the hiring of Securitas professionalizes the Guides program and will help ensure that visitors, employees, and residents of the downtown area have a safe and enjoyable experience. The rebranding of the program with easy-to-see orange uniforms will allow the guides to stand out and be easily recognizable. For more information, visit www.springfielddowntown.com.