Departments Archives - Page 128 of 149

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

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

Alvins, LLC
Alvaro, Joseph M.
Alvaro, Rebecca L.
a/k/a Wilkinson, Rebecca L.
84 Fuller St. Unit 3
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Angers, Wayne D.
2 Oakley Estate
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/10/09

Appleton, David John
25 Boylston St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Arena, Mark A.
Arena, Laura L.
229 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Atwood, Christopher William
903 Dalton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/09

Ayala, Rosa M.
196 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Baez, Hipolito
P.O. Box 5894
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/09

Banks Carpet Cleaning, Inc.
Banks, Michael S.
1129 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Barcus, Christine
584 East St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Barker, Anthony D.
P. O. Box 1213
West Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/09

Barrett, Melissa B.
116 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/15/09

Bauch, Brian J.
68 Laurel St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/09

Berard, Thomas A.
Berard, Patricia A.
5 Corey Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Bergeron, Joseph A.
Bergeron, Sonja M.
41 Piquette Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Bernardi, Kathy R.
72 Church St., Apt 1
W. Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Bilodeau, Jeremy W.
21 Kingsberry Lane
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Bilodeau, Melissa J.
21 Kingsberry Lane
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Blaisdell, Nora T.
23 Lorimer St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Blondin, Kenneth Albert
91 Yale St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/09

Blumenfeld, Samuel L.
73 Bishops Forest Dr.
Waltham, MA 02452
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Boudreau, Thomas R.
Boudreau, Mary Ellen
151 Monastery Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Bousquet, Joseph H.
44 Peros Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Brown, Laura Ann
22 Third St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Bruinsma, Anthony P.
Bruinsma, Jennifer A.
LaFleur, Jennifer A.
56B Lake George Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Burgen, Marilyn R.
69 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/09

Caisse, Kevin John
506 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Camilleri, Richard
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Capeles-Santiago, Quetcy
66 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Caron, Lilly Colleen
387 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Carroll, Cynthia M.
798 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Carson, Paul L.
Carson, Lynn A.
125 Chapel St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Cavannah, David R.
Cavannah, Karen B.
8 Aldrich Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Chartier, Jennifer L.C.
296 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Cimini, Daniel J.
103 Creswell Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Clark, Denise L.
4 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Coffin, Robert A.
38 Beech St. B
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Cohen, Burton
Cohen, Ruth Ann
PO Box 30152
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Cook, Melissa M.
919 South Hampton Road
Apartment T-4
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Cosme, Vilma Lisa
819 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Cox, Bernard
PO Box 91211
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Cruz, Gary M.
133 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Decker, Elisabeth R.
Thibodeau, Elisabeth R.
Montovani, Elisabeth R.
155 Northwest Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

DeLeon, Antonio
462 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Delgado, Carmen Ivette
1430 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Dester, Gary P.
Dester, Irene S.
113 Kennedy Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Devins, Charles R.
Devins, Kathleen T.
45 Merrick St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Dillard, Tracey Leigh
93 Woodstock St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Dion, Mark J.
50 Calvin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Dougan, David M.
Dougan, Virginia M.
51 Oakham Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Dougherty, John A.
Dougherty, Cynthia C.
a/k/a Carlisle, Cynthia L.
79 Louise St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Downs, Cynthia Anne
104 Pinehurst Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Dziubek, Darryl E.
Dziubek, Rachelle A.
222 Northeast St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Emerson, William E.
Emerson, Sally O.
4 Pequoit Point Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

Enders, Marshall
Enders, Cynthia Ann
10 Gate St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/09

Estridge, Lynda R.
40-C Valley View
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Fernandez, Elsa M.
a/k/a Torres, Elsa M.
P.O. Box 260
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Fisher, Janet C.
110 Applewood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Forgotch, Thomas M.
Forgotch, Christine J.
315 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Forrest, Frank L.
10 Prospect St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

Frantz, Stephen C.
Frantz, Veronica M.
P.O. Box 60472
Longmeadow, MA 01116
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Galeucia, Brian T.
38 Beacon Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/02/09

Gallucci, Georgia Ann
37 Kent Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Gamache, Roland J.
Gamache, Barbara J.
112 Chase Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/27/09

George, Thomas R.
George, Karyn T.
108 Quinn Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Gerard, Alex N.
Gerard, Mary E.
8 Clover Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Guagliardo, Tammy L.
a/k/a Wilk, Tammy L.
100 Steiger Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/09

Gusmao, Marcelo
Gusmao, Miralva
20 Joy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Hairston, Wayne
101 Mayflower Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Hampshire Frame And Art
Smilie, Robin J.
19 Lake St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Haver, Catharine E.
229 Green Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Hegarty, Paul
Hegarty, Dianne
60 Van Horn St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Heiden, Paul R.
Heiden, Amy M.
6 Fourth St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Heintz, Sonya Marie
1694 Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Hibbler, Blondean
167 Daniels Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Holland, Larry
251 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Hughes, Kimberly J.
345 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Jackman, Danielle C.
Jackman, Brian D.
67 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Johnson, Marlene M.
616 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Kamyshina, Natalya G.
410 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/07/09

King, Charles A.
500 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Kreybig, Annemarie K.
80 Damon Road, Unit 7302
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Laflamme, Anne M.
a/k/a Wilson, Anne M.
48 Summit Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/28/09

LaFleche, Wayne Alan
LaFleche, Linda Ann
22 Woodlawn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Lajoie, Gloria D.
8 Hartford St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Lamberton, Christine Joyce
15 Albee St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

LaMountain, Donna
289 Sackett Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Latshaw, Jason M.
Latshaw, Brandy M.
a/k/a Ruelle, Brandy M.
598 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/09

Leab, Noi M.
28 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

Loboda, Yan
16A Sunflower Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

Lubelczyk, Jessica M.
a/k/a Mobley, Jessica M.
82 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Lucas, Paul Anthony
181 Turnpike Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

Luvera, Patricia D.
2205 Boston Road, Unit #3
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Manarite, Anthony T.
11 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

Marron, Suzanne M.
43 Wrentham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Matlock, Julia Maxine
62 Pomona St., Fl. 2
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Mayo, Paul J.
P.O. Box 195
Fiskdale, MA 01518
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Mayou, Geraldine
114 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Mayou, William E.
114 Corey Colonial
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

McCarthy, Robert E.
330 Cold Spring Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Medina, Betzaida
193 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118-2638
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Merrill, Lorna J.
80 Plantation Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Miller, Barbara S.
174 Briar Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

Moore, Judith Anne
33 Kellogg Ave., Apt. 5
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Moore, Todd A.
33 Brooklyn St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/01/09

Morin, Richard A.
440 Crouch Road
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Murphy, Daniel J.
Murphy, Cynthia S.
Sheridan-Murphy, Cynthia
Ziemba, Cynthia L.
122 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Murphy, Edward J.
92 Coffey Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Muzzy, Catherine L.
P.O. Box 714
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/23/09

Nguyen, Huong-Thi
37 Alberta St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Norton, Susan M.
113 Lindbergh Blvd.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Okatan, Nuriye
12 Sutton Court
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Opal, Craig
32 Granville St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Ozimek, Richard A.
1 Belden Court, Apt. C2
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Pagnano, Sharon M.
51 Robbins St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Pappis, Charles A.
66 Yorktown Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Patruno, Jay J.
107 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Patruno, Laura L.
85 Abbey St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Petersante, John M.
89 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/28/09

Picture the World, LLC
Keiter, Scott I.
51B Hatfield St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Polak, Roxann M.
35 Karen Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

RC Homes Inc.
New Castle Development
Ridgewood Custom Homes
Dickey, William R.
26 Jensen St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

RDJ Associates
Johnson, Richard D.
Johnson, Linda M.
403 Springfield St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Ricapito, Cheryl A.
2 Green St., Apt. 6
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Robison, David Russell
5 Nutmeg Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

Sadler, Kathleen
61 Aldrich Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Sadlow, James R.
32 Fisk St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/03/09

Shannon, Steven Michael
788 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Sinclair, Darcy Susan
15 Sczygiel Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Smart, Arthur C.
89 Maynard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/26/09

Spafford, Richard A.
161 White Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Stewart, Darlene J.
a/k/a Stewart-Hernandez, Darlene J.
71 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Stibolt, Gretchen D.
54 Buena Vista Plaza
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Strauss, Deborah J.
211 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Strickland, Joseph C.
Harris-Strickland, Diane P.
Harris, Diane P.
118 Stevenson St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/24/09

Subira, Marta
12 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/11/09

Sweeney, Christopher Edward
753 South Mountain Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09
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Tanguay, Christie
24 Ely St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/13/09

Tessier, Marc C.
1125 South St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/04/09

Tetreault, Donna L.
77 Fresno St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Thompson, Charles H.
Thompson, Joanna E.
1003 Pecks Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Tierney, Jennifer M.
a/k/a Conde, Jennifer M.
1069 Central St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Tremble, Susan V.
100 Champlain St
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/12/09

Trudel, Joyce B.
38 Maynard St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/15/09

Turner, Christopher L.
101 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/25/09

Valentine, Yolanda C.
33 Tourtelotte Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Velleca, Paula A
171 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/15/09

Vera, Adin A.
322 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/09/09

Walters, John R.
27 Lyman St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/27/09

Warren, Robert J.
Warren, Lisa D.
10 Woodland Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Wedemeyer, Juergen R.
Wedemeyer, Donna M.
37 Andersen Road
Chciopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Whitten, Ronald P.
63A Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/06/09

Wilson, Lola M.
70 Ferncliff Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/20/09

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

MassMutual Lays Off 65

SPRINGFIELD — Despite solid revenues and progress on its overall business strategy reported in early March, MassMutual Financial Group recently laid off 65 workers from its offices on State Street and in Enfield, Conn. Company officials noted that the layoffs were across the board, including finance, sales, and marketing. As of Dec. 31, 2008, MassMutual had reported a surplus of $8.5 billion, a 6% increase from $8 billion as of Dec. 31, 2007. MassMutual also posted record whole life insurance sales, significant increases in disability income and long-term care insurance sales, and solid growth in its sales force. As the impact from the deteriorating markets continue into 2009, MassMutual officials note they still expect to reduce staffing levels during the year, either by not filling open positions or by layoffs. MassMutual officials would not comment on how many additional positions may be eliminated in the coming months. A company spokesperson noted that the recent actions were taken to ensure the company has the “right people in the right positions.”

Bradley Expands Self-Select Lanes

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has expanded its popular Self-Select Lanes program to Bradley International Airport. To date, Bradley is the 51st airport in the country to launch the innovative program that expedites the screening process for air travelers. The Self-Select Lanes are comprised of three lanes designated by signage that directs passengers to the lane that best suits their travel needs and knowledge of security requirements — ‘expert,’ for the business traveler who flies regularly; ‘casual,’ for travelers who are somewhat familiar with the procedures; and ‘family/special assistance,’ which is already in place at Bradley, for passengers traveling with children, elderly passengers, and passengers carrying medically necessary liquids, aerosols, and gels in excess of three ounces. To watch a video of the lanes in action, visit www.tsa.gov.

Jobless Claims Plunge in Early April

NEW YORK — In the week ending April 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 610,000, a decrease of 53,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 663,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The four-week moving average was 651,000, a decrease of 8,500 from the previous week’s revised average of 659,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.5% for the week ending April 4, an increase of 0.1% from the prior week’s unrevised rate of 4.4%. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 4.781 million. Extended benefits were available in Massachusetts, Alaska, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin during the week ending March 28.

State Bankruptcy Filings Climb in First Quarter

BOSTON — Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts jumped 16% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, according to the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. There were 3,285 filings under Chapter 7 of the U.S. bankruptcy code in the first three months of 2009, up from 2,833 during the first quarter of 2008. The filings were also 7% higher than the fourth quarter of 2008, when 3,072 filers sought Chapter 7 protection. Chapter 7 filings fell dramatically in 2006 after a federal law went into effect that tightened the requirements for filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. But filings have started to escalate again, steadily increasing for the past three quarters, according to the Warren Group. Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the most common option for individuals who want relief from their debts, accounted for 82% of bankruptcy filings in Massachusetts in the first quarter. People filing under Chapter 7 bankruptcy can eliminate most debt after non-exempt assets are used to pay off creditors.

Home Sales Fall During First Quarter

BOSTON — Across the country, pending home sales have edged up, hinting at a possible pickup of sales activity in the coming months, according to the National Association of Realtors. In Western Mass., realtors note that the price and volume of single-family homes fell during the first quarter, however, the number of homes sold increased in March. During the first quarter of 2009, 635 homes were sold in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties, according to the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. During the same period in 2008, 722 homes were sold in the three counties. The median price during the first quarter of 2009 was $169,500, compared to $195,000 during the same period a year ago — a 13.1% decline. In Hampden County, 463 homes were sold, while in Hampshire County, 116 homes were sold, and in Franklin County, 56 homes were sold.

Pioneer Valley Pet Pantry Launches Canned Food Drive

The Pioneer Valley Pet Pantry kicked off its food drive on April 1, with a goal to raise 4,000 pounds of canned dog and cat food by May 13, 2009. The food will be donated to local animal shelters, including the Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center in Springfield, the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society in Leverett, and the Homeless Cat Project in Westfield. Mary Wilczynski, who founded the Pet Pantry with a group of community volunteers, said that, “amid the closing of the MSPCA and the start of kitten season, many of our local shelters are under a great deal of pressure to accommodate the needs of pets waiting to be adopted. There is a tremendous amount of support and compassion from pet lovers to step up and help our shelters in need.” Volunteers from the Pet Pantry are helping to organize canned-food drives in the community and solicit monetary donations to purchase food. Easthampton Savings Bank has partnered with the Pet Pantry and will accept monetary and food donations at all of its branch banks. A.W. Brown in East Longmeadow will also accept food donations. On April 23, Pet Pantry volunteers met at Dave’s Soda and Pet Food City in Agawam to purchase and then deliver 2,000 pounds of much-needed canned dog and cat food to the three local shelters. To make a donation using a personal PayPal account or to learn more about the Pioneer Valley Pet Pantry, visit sites.google.com/site/pvpetpantry

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

All-Temp Controls v. Accurate Mechanical Corp.
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment for services rendered: $33,624
Filed: 4/01/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Diversified Technical Products v. Plasticorp Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $25,000
Filed: 3/19/09

Financial Counselors, LLC v. Keniston & Co.
Allegation: Conversion and unjust enrichment: $268,000
Filed: 3/23/09

Greater Media Inc. v. The Countertop Shoppe
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $33,100
Filed: 3/19/09

Utica Mutual Insurance Group, as subrogee of Detector Technology Inc. v. DMT USA Inc. & SG Water USA Inc.
Allegation: Distribution, sale, and installation of defective adaptor fitting, causing damage to property: $44,384.39
Filed: 3/25/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Green Street Café v. Smith College
Allegation: Breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment and contract in a commercial lease: $25,000
Filed: 3/25/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank N.A. v. Box of Golf Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies owed: $10,737.36
Filed: 3/31/09

Myer’s Catering v. Hallmark Institute of Photography
Allegation: Non-payment of catering goods and services rendered: $27,275.25
Filed: 4/01/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Laurie McCarthy v. R.A. Manley & Sons
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive practices causing home-repair damages: $17,216
Filed: 3/16/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Louis Michaelson & Sons Co. Inc. v. Blue Sky Diner Restaurant Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,208.10
Filed: 3/25/09

Louis Michaelson & Sons Co. Inc. v. O’Driscoll’s Irish Pub
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,820.55
Filed: 3/25/09

Springfield Florists Supply Inc. v. Gift Baskets by Carmela
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise: $5,440.50
Filed: 3/27/09

United Rentals v. Encompass Construction and Management Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for services, materials, and equipment: $4,689.31
Filed: 3/27/09

Vladimir M. Zamotayev v. Max S. Construction, LLC
Allegation: Breach of sales contract and non-payment of balance owed: $17,924.77
Filed: 3/26/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

One Communications Corp. v. Kellie’s Candies Nut Free Confections Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay for services rendered: $4,175.58
Filed: 3/11/09

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Toast & Cheers Inc., 20 Parker St., Agawam, MA 01001. Dorothy Preston, same. Wedding and event planner.

AMHERST

Debt Relief Services Inc., 84 January Hills Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Donald W. Todrin, Same. To train individuals in managing their credit card debts, budgeting, and living within their means.

Emogination Research Inc., 893 West St., Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 01002. Jose Andres Fuentes, same. Educational and scientific research in the field of Internet-based information services.

Yun’s Family Corporation, 41 Boltwood Walk, Amherst, MA 01002. Jae Woong Yun, 82 Stillwater Road, Deerfield, MA 01373. Restaurant.

Safari Transit Inc., 160 Old Farm Road, Apt. 54, Amherst, MA 01002. Elly Dickson Tuti, same. Livery transport.

CHICOPEE

D & D Masonry and Chimney Inc., 299 Columbia St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Micholas D. Doup, 12 Katie Lane, Palmer, MA 01069. Masonry and chimney construction for residential and commercial buildings.

Pro-Green Inc., 109 Telegraph Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. Cheryl A. Picard, same. Purchase and sale of environmental products.

EASTHAMPTON

Madison Ave Salon Inc., 250 Northampton St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Laurie L. Littman, 563 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Owning, operating, and managing a beauty salon.

Sal-Czar Inc., 106 Florence Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Stacy A Lavertu, same. Distribution of fireplaces and wood/gas stoves.

FEEDING HILLS

Tuggie Macqueen Inc., 111 Clover Hill Dr., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Joan Guernsey, Same. To sell pet and non-pet apparel.

HOLYOKE

Shoyu Japan at Holyoke Inc., 50 Holyoke St., #R129, Holyoke, MA 01040. Anna Lau, same. Restaurant.

LONGMEADOW

Camax Inc. 46 Severn St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Valdermar A Johnson, 88 Grove St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Web-site sales/wholesale

NORTHAMPTON

88 Pleasant Inc., 88 Pleasant St., Northampton, MA 01060. Saleh Alhujaji, same. Restaurant business.

Communicatehealth Inc., 4 Linden St., Northampton, MA 01060. Stacy Robinson, Same. Writing, and editing of documents, training and technical assistance of same.

SOUTHWICK

Total Home Services Inc., 80 Davis Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Eugene J. Whitehead Jr., Same. Landscaping, commercial and residential building and remodeling.

SPRINGFIELD

SubwayA3640Main Inc., 3640 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107. Mark E. Benoit, 76 Blokland Dr. Longmeadow, MA 01106. To own and operate a Subway franchise.

VY Enterprises Inc., 475 Saint James Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Abbas A. Younes, 13 Yvonne St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Gas station and convenience store.

WESTFIELD

Mastro Enterprises Inc., 16 Camelot Lane, Westfield, MA 01089. Michael D. Mastroianni, Same. Health and wellness.

Ninoss Corp., 1029 North Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Eleni Sidiropoulou, 370 Old Connecticut Path, Wayland, MA 01778. Pizza restaurant.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

International Christian Center Inc., 553 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Oleg Abramchuk, 48 Jamie Lane, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. To establish and maintain a place of worship.

P & G Graphic Solutions Inc., 1313 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Jean Niksa, 115 Blood Road, Charlton, MA 01507. Design, manufacture, printing, and sale of signs, digital graphics, and banners.

WILBRAHAM

Joecreative Incorporated, 89 Springfield St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Joseph Anthony Pellegrino Jr., same. Creative consulting.

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

The Bank of Western Massachusetts in Springfield has hired Anthony P. Simone as AVP-Wealth Management Advisor.

•••••

Communication Solutions Partners in Southwick, the communications division of Whalley Computer Associates, announced the following:
• Mike Lata has been named to its Account Executive Team.
• Melissa Derouin has been promoted to manage the back-office operations.

•••••

Douglas J. Packard has joined Bancnorth Investment Group Inc. as a Financial Advisor based in the TD Banknorth store in South Hadley. Packard provides individualized retirement and financial planning services, as well as plans for families and small businesses.

•••••

Spec’s Design Group, LLC in Springfield announced the following:
• Mary A. Wilczynski has earned certification as LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) for Commercial Interiors.
• Karen Michalowski has earned certification as LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) for Commercial Interiors.
Wilczynski, founding principal, and Michalowski, bring 48 years of commercial design experience to the firm. They are also certified with the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications, and their professional memberships include the American Society of Interior Designers, the International Designers Assoc. and the Retail Design Institute.

•••••

Texcel Medical in East Longmeadow has named John Mulvihill as Vice President, Sales and Marketing.

•••••

Dave Worroll, Manager of the McDonald’s at 28 Hazard Ave., Enfield, Conn.; and Carmen Barrett, Manager of the Massachusetts Turnpike east McDonald’s in Blandford, were recently honored as being among the top 10% of McDonald’s managers in Connecticut and Western Mass.

•••••

MassMutual Financial Group’s Retirement Services Division in Springfield announced the following:
• George Sutherland was named Division Sales Manager, Institutional Sales, for the Southeast region.
• Scott Buffington was named National Sales Manager for MassMutual’s Taft-Hartley market segment.

•••••

Terri LaFlamme has joined the Feeding Hill office of Park Square Realty as a Sales Associate.

•••••

Monson Savings Bank announced the following:
• Lena Buteau has been promoted to Retail Banking Officer.
• Nancy Dahlen has been promoted to Assistant Vice President for Residential Lending and Servicing.

•••••

Risk Management Advisors of Canton, recently named Reed V. Hillman to its executive team as a Senior Principal.

•••••

Ingrid Bredenberg, Founder and Senior Consultant of Bredenberg Associates in Montague, was recently honored as a Sapphire Award winner at the Inscape Publishing MindLab Conference in Washington, D.C. Sapphire Award status is based on purchases of learning assessments and materials from Inscape Publishing.

•••••

Steven Bouffard will head the new Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Recovery Program at Country Estates in Agawam.

•••••

Valerie Demerski of Barbara Demerski Real Estate, has been awarded the National Association of Realtors Green Designation. She is now qualified to help clients evaluate the costs and benefits of green building options and related financial incentives.

•••••

Douglas R. Guthrie has been promoted to Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Western New England region. In this role, Guthrie is responsible for operations, financial performance and customer service for more than 800,000 Comcast customers in more than 300 communities.

Kyle Snow of Snow and Sons Landscaping in Greenfield has passed the certified landscape professional and certified landscape technician test and is nationally certified by the Professional Landcare Network, also known as PLANET. PLANET has more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates across the country.

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

Community Health Fair

The annual Community Health Fair, offered by the senior class in the School of Nursing at Springfield Technical Community College and staged April 14, featured information booths, demonstrations, and presentations on subjects such as asthma, eating disorders, maternal health, child safety, stress reduction, diabetes, and substance abuse. Above, at the child-safety booth, students show attendees how to safely bathe an infant. At left, students show young visitors how to perform CPR.

OPINION

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Opinion

JA: It’s Not Just About Building Birdhouses

Junior Achievement has changed over the years, but the mission is as vital today as it was in 1919.

A report from the Mass. Business Alliance for Education, released in October 2008, noted, students in the 21st century must master skills that include: global awareness; financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; communication; and collaboration skills. JA provides skills to our young people through the financial and volunteer support of local businesses.

Nearly one in every four children in Springfield Public Schools is involved in JA this year, but there are more children who need the JA experience, and you can help by investing in JA. Its good business.

In 1919, JAs founders wanted to teach children between the ages 8 and 12 about this countrys economic way of life and give them the skills to succeed in an economy that was changing from an agrarian base to a manufacturing base.

The students were organized into clubs that had adult leaders and operated like a business. With the adults overseeing the program, the students developed an enterprise, made articles for sale, and learned how to operate their own company. The clubs were supported financially by local businesses. In the mid-1920s, the Junior Achievement Training Institute was built on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, where Achievement Hall still stands today.

For nearly eight decades, JA remained an after-school program, where groups of high-school students, mentored by adult volunteers, formed a company, sold stock, made a product, and sold it with the goal of returning a profit to the shareholders. For more than 400,000 people in Western Mass., JA brings back fond memories of making birdhouses, aprons, wire hangers, hair products, or electrical gadgets.

Today, 90 years later, JA is part of a worldwide organization where more than 3 million volunteers serve 9.2 million students in 137 JA areas in the U.S. and in 97 other countries. Despite the tremendous growth, JA remains true to its mission to prepare and inspire young people to succeed in a global economy. However, while our mission is the same, our approach to providing economic and entrepreneurial education has changed.

Junior Achievement offers a wide variety of programs for students in grades K-12 that focus on business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial literacy, and career exploration. The three pillars of JAs foundation continue to be financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Junior Achievement has continued to grow over the years because it delivers relevant programs and, like business, adapts to the needs of the community.

Today, JA programs are still delivered by local volunteers. The programs are found in schools, after-school programs, community youth organizations, and summer programs. JAs programs can take place in one-day or in a series of weekly classroom visits. The program and the delivery method depend on the needs of the school or organization. The age-appropriate, interactive JA activities are correlated to the state frameworks in mathematics, language arts, reading, social studies, economics, and civics, as well as to the Mass. Comprehensive Assessment System.

Today, a Junior Achiever might be a first-grader who learned the difference between a need and a want; a fourth-grader who knows about human, natural, and capital resources; or a middle-grader who knows about budgeting, how to use credit wisely, and the importance of insurance. A Junior Achiever can also be a high-school student who has completed JA Success Skills and four hours of JA volunteer training and can be found teaching JA to students in grades K-3, learning first-hand the importance of teamwork, time management, communication skills, and service. –

Jennifer Connelly is president of Junior Achievement of Western Mass.; (413) 747-7670.

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

Ten reasons to : Hire a lawyer for domestic- relations proceedings

1. You don’t know the law. Pro-se litigants frequently encounter roadblocks that can cost not only time and money, but missed deadlines and case dismissals.

2. Limited assistance representation. The court has instituted a cost-effective program whereby a lawyer can represent a party in just one aspect of their case such as a court hearing or preparing a memorandum.

3. Child support guidelines. The way child support is calculated in Massachusetts has changed dramatically. Calculations are highly complex, and there are now many built-in deviation arguments.

4. Dealing with other attorneys can be difficult. Pro-se litigants are at a severe disadvantage. A lawyer has the knowledge and experience to manipulate facts and law to their client’s benefit.

5. Knowing the judge. Lawyers are familiar with how judges think and are likely to rule on a particular issue, thereby enabling them to prepare accordingly.

6. Public speaking. Courtrooms are typically open forums. Lawyers are accustomed to speaking in venues with many people present.

7. Thinking on your feet. Presenting your case in court requires articulate on-the-spot arguments that are compliant with court rules and laws.

8. Knowing procedural rules. Lawyers know how to serve the other party, when to bring motions, how to dismiss a case or request a continuance, and how to conduct discovery.

9. Trying cases. It takes a highly skilled lawyer to effectively make opening and closing statements, enter evidence, elicit testimony, and propose judicial findings.

10. ‘He who represents himself has a fool for a client.’ With the Family Court home to such emotionally charged issues, lawyers are able to think objectively.

Melissa R. Gillis, Esq. is an associate with Bacon Wilson, P.C. She is a member of the Family Law and Real Estate departments; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]; bwlaw.blogs.com/familylawbits

By BusinessWest Staff April 27, 2009

Departments

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Auction and Wine/Beer Tasting

May 1: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its popular Auction and Beer/Wine Tasting at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive in Chicopee. Funds raised from the event will benefit local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the area. A new feature of the fund-raiser includes a professional appraisal of one antique item from Kimball’s Auction & Estate Services and Hollister Jewelry and Coins. The appraisal is free with the price of admission. Tickets are $20 per person. To reserve tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 594-2101, or visit www.chicopeechamber.org. The general public is invited to attend.

‘Tourism Trends’ Seminar

May 6: The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) and the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau (GHCVB) will co-present “Tourism Trends,” a seminar that will examine the future of tourism as well as provide an update in hospitality and travel trends, at noon at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Conn. Featured speakers will include Maureen O’Hanlon, a senior partner of the Prism Partnership, and Kiran Jain, director of marketing and development at Bradley International Airport. The seminar will begin with a lunch at noon, followed by the presentations. A tour of the New England Air Museum is available following the program. The cost to attend is $12 for GSCVB or GHCVB members, and $20 for non-members. The deadline to register is May 1. For more information, call Alyssa Carvalho, GSCVB membership manager, at (413) 755-1347.

Business Market Show

May 13: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. will showcase the products and services of some 200 regional businesses at the 2009 Business Market Show Conference and Exhibition at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The seventh annual Taste the Market will also be conducted during the show, featuring food prepared by restaurants and caterers chosen and sponsored by participating exhibitors. The day begins at 7:15 a.m. with the May Breakfast Club, featuring speaker Gov. Deval Patrick, who will share his insights on the state’s upcoming fiscal year as well as some of the current initiatives of his administration. Doors to the show will open following the breakfast at 9 a.m. In addition, a host of free business seminars will be offered throughout the day. A complete schedule of seminars and exhibitors can be found at www.businessmarketshow.com. A microbrew tasting given by Azon Liquors is planned from noon to 2 p.m., and the Taste the Market will be conducted from 3 to 5 p.m. The conference and exhibition ends at 5 p.m. For more information, call (413) 787-1555.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

May 21: Amherst-based Marigold Fund founder Gary Moorehead will present a lecture titled “Afghanistan Lives and Labor” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Moorehead has lived in Afghanistan since 2003, founding Marigold Fund in 2004. Until 2008, he worked as a program manager on projects funded by the U.S. State Department and others, building schools and homes for returning refugees. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Economic Illusions Lecture

May 28: Edward Guay, principal of Wintonbury Risk Management in Bloomfield, Conn., will present a lecture titled “Recovering from Economic Illusions and Global Credit Shocks” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Guay is a global macro strategist. He has a long history of accurately predicting major shifts in business, financial, and political conditions. Guay specializes in the identification of those forces for change that will shape future events, either gradually or in climactic fashion, causing consensus business, investment, political, or geopolitical strategies to go awry. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

‘Leadership Development & Teambuilding’

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.” The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead and succeed. Enrollment fee is $199 per person or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

Bonfire ’09

May 21: A large, roaring bonfire and top-rated live music will provide a great early-summer evening out for area students and families just before the Memorial Day weekend, and all the fun will be for a great cause. A new, nonprofit organization based in Belchertown, Future Leadership: Journey 2009, is going to make raising funds for educational travel a cool evening for kids and adults in the area with this first-annual event. A huge bonfire and DoOkiE, a Green Day tribute band that plays all over the nation, will take over the Chestnut Hill athletic fields from 7 to 10 p.m. The Bonfire ’09 event is open to all friends, family, and residents of the area, and will have plenty of police and fire protection. “Andy the Armadillo” of the Springfield restaurant Texas Roadhouse will be on site, as well as other forms of entertainment. The new organization is in the process of applying for a state nonprofit certificate and will assist six Belchertown High School students in raising funds for educational travel to Europe and Africa this summer. The two travel destinations are with two different programs: Future Leaders of Ghana (FLoGhana) and People to People (P2P). FLoGhana became a 501(c)3 in 2007 by Andrea Boyko of Belchertown and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to paving the way for positive change in Ghana’s education system and increasing awareness of Ghana in the U.S. through volunteer action. The volunteer program sends qualified teachers and student/adult volunteers to help improve the rural schools of Ghana. Volunteers also bring with them much-needed school supplies from the U.S. so the Ghanan teachers can continue to provide high-quality education long after the volunteers leave. Volunteers experience an adventure of their own while continuing the mission of FLoGhana. For more information, call (413) 323-6064 or (413) 687-3144.

By BusinessWest Staff April 13, 2009

Departments

About Record Retention

By CHERYL M. FITZGERALD, CPA, MST:

Individuals

1. Tax files — documents that support your tax return, deductions, and credits, such as receipts and cancelled checks, should be kept for seven years (note exceptions below), but the actual returns should be retained permanently.

2. Banking records — keep separate files for checking and savings. Save your statements for a year to substantiate year-end 1099 statements. Cancelled checks can be discarded after a year, except when part of the tax file.

3. Investment reports — keep separate files on each account you hold; different transactions have different tax consequences. At a minimum, you should keep this information until three years after you file the return reporting the sale.

4. Retirement-plan information — keep files on all retirement plans including IRAs, 401(k) plans, and employer pension programs, and retain copies of all annual statements. These files should be maintained permanently.

5. Insurance policies — copies of all current insurance policies should be maintained in separate files and kept permanently for 10 years after the policy expires.

Business Entities:

6. Corporate records — tax returns, articles of incorporation, board of directors/stockholders’ minute books, bylaws, capital stock certificates, and organization charts should be retained permanently.

7. Accounting systems — accounting records such as balance sheets, cancelled dividend checks, cash-disbursement journals, and receipts journals should be retained permanently. Other records, such as payable and receivable ledgers, bank reconciliations, bank statements, and cash/charge slips, should be kept for seven years.

8. Fixed assets — invoices or purchase documents that substantiate cost should be retained until seven years after the asset is disposed of or sold. Depreciation schedules and inventory records should be retained permanently.

9. Human resources — most HR records such as settled accident reports, medical benefits, disability benefits, and personnel files should be retained for seven years after termination. Pension/profit sharing plan agreements and personnel files of current employees should be retained permanently.

10. Legal documents — documents such as bills of sales, permits, all types of contracts, legal correspondence, deeds/titles, stock and bond records, and licenses should be retained permanently.
Cheryl M. Fitzgerald is a senior tax manager with Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke; (413) 536-8510

By BusinessWest Staff April 13, 2009

Departments

Brown Bag Lunch Series

April 15: Dr. Linda K. Fuller, Senior Fellow, Northeastern University, will present a lecture titled “Communication is Key to AIDS in Africa” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Fuller, who has lived and worked in Africa, has determined that communication holds the key to our understanding of and dealing with AIDS in Africa and beyond. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey or vegetarian sandwich included). Reservations must be made by April 13 to (413) 733-0110.

Home Builders Course

April 15: The Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. will sponsor a six-session course beginning April 15 to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor’s Licensing Exam. Sessions will be conducted at the Home Builders Assoc. headquarters, 240 Cadwell Dr., Springfield, for six Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The license exam is authorized by the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards and administered by Thomson Prometric. Registration forms to enroll for the state exam will be distributed at the first session of the program. The course fee is $250 for a member of the Home Builders Association of Western Mass. and $350 for nonmembers. Participants must bring the 7th Edition One & Two Family Dwelling Building Code book and the 7th Edition Basic Building Code book to each class and to the open-book examination. There is an additional charge to order the code books through the Home Builders Assoc. For more information or to register, contact Sandra Doucette at (413) 733-3126. Enrollment is limited.

Rock ‘n’ Roll & Management Styles

April 15: “Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned From Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be presented by James M. Wilson III, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business at Bay Path College, and Gregory Jones, director of Cannes Associates Production Management. Wilson and Jones have been conducting research for three years on the production of live rock ‘n’ roll concerts featuring Metallica, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, among others, with a focus on how event management contributes to organizational theory. The free lecture at 7 p.m. will take place in Breck Suite in Wright Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Health Care Reform Law Discussion

April 16: Sandra Reynolds of Associated Industries of Mass. will lead an interactive discussion on the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Discussion will focus on the individual mandate — what it means, how it works, and the impact on employers of every size. The workshop is sponsored by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

Events for Kids

April 17, 21-24: What’s Cooking, Kids? will host several events throughout April for children, ranging from candy-making sessions and Easter-egg decorating to a Food Network Camp and an American Idol for Kids evening. For complete details on all events, call (413) 224-1208 or log on to www.whatscookingkids.com. What’s Cooking, Kids? is located at 41 Maple St., East Longmeadow.

Cryotherapy Lecture

April 22: Dr. Mohammad Mostafavi of the Urology Group of Western New England, P.C. will lead a lecture on the latest treatment options for prostate and kidney cancer using cryotherapy at 6 p.m. at 3640 Main St., Suite 103, Springfield. Cryotherapy provides a minimally invasive method of destroying cancer. While the lecture is free and open to the public, seating is limited. To pre-register, call (413) 748-9749. For more information on the Urology Group of Western New England, visit www.ugwne.com.

‘Your First Business Plan’

April 23: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network, in conjunction with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, will offer a workshop titled “Your First Business Plan” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the chamber office, 395 Main St., Greenfield. 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 $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

World Affairs Council

April 27: Marco Werman, senior producer and anchor of The World, a daily news radio program produced by the BBC, Public Radio International and WGBH/Boston, will discuss “Tintin and Movietone Made Me Do It” as part of a World Affairs Council of Western Mass. gathering at Western New England College. Werman’s talk is planned at 7 p.m. in Sleith Hall, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. The event is free and open to the public. Springfield public high-school teams who participated in the council’s fourth annual Academic WorldQuest competition in January will also be recognized at the event. For more information, call the World Affairs Council office at (413) 733-0110.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will stage the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Fourth Annual Walk of Champions

May 3: Baystate Mary Lane Hospital will host its fourth annual Walk of Champions at Quabbin Reservoir to benefit its Baystate Regional Cancer Program. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the program opens at 9:30 a.m.. Walkers will step off at 10 a.m. from the Quabbin Reservoir tower parking area and will proceed along the Windsor Dam. Both two-mile and five-mile routes will be available. Refreshments will be provided along the routes, and the event will conclude with more food and entertainment at the Quabbin Reservoir tower. For more information, call Deb Gagnon at (413) 967-2458.

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader Within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Other workshops in the daylong event include “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have To Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.” The conference is targeted to managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. Enrollment fee is $199 per person or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

A Winning Strategy Needed for the Hoop Hall of Fame

By BusinessWest Staff April 13, 2009

Opinion

Its been an interesting couple of weeks for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, which has certainly seen better times, especially from a public-relations standpoint.

First, there was the story in the local press revealing some dire financial straits and accounts of a letter sent to the halls trustees several weeks ago informing them that if things didnt improve, and quickly, the shrine might be forced to sell its memorabilia, file for bankruptcy, or close the doors. Within that same story there were comments from the halls director, John Doleva, that things had already improved since that letter and that such dire consequences were not likely, but the news had been broken and the response locally was that the hall was in trouble again, or still.

There was then the expected follow-up comments from area tourism officials downplaying the grim forecasts and expressing hope, and confidence, for a strong summer season for the hall. But soon, there were calls from columnists to stage campaigns to seek donations from millionaire NBA players and former players to save the hall, and even letters sent by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno to state and federal leaders seeking some kind of financial help aid that Doleva says isnt needed.

Then there was some criticism in the media that hall officials had lost out on a golden opportunity to bring some badly needed attention to the shrine by refusing to move off a Sept. 11 date for the 2009 induction ceremonies featuring a very strong class headlined by Michael Jordan thus likely precluding a visit from President Obama, an avid basketball fan.

Amid these somewhat conflicting reports, its hard to gauge just what kind of financial shape the hall is in, but what seems clear is that the facility needs for some good things to happen soon and for the long haul. It needs to have a very strong summer to stabilize its financial picture and calm the doubters, who are many. Then, it must make the very most of the opportunity presented by the induction of Jordan this fall. He is, in many respects, still the face of the game of basketball, and when he comes to Springfield to be enshrined, the world will be watching.

But the hall needs more than a strong finish to 2009. It needs some long-term stability that can only be gained from attaining a better, higher place in the regions psyche. The hall has always been a part of the Pioneer Valleys cultural and business scene, but it has never approached the level of recognition and importance achieved by the baseball and football halls of fame. In fact, in many circumstances people dont even say Baseball Hall of Fame; they simply say Cooperstown, the town in Upstate New York where that shrine is located.

How does Springfield gain such status, or something approaching it? It will likely take a strong branding, or rebranding, effort to make the city synonymous with basketball. Right now, its a long way from that place, in part because of past history and the citys connection with manufacturing and, especially, the Springfield Armory, but also because of recent history and the citys many financial and image problems.

Turning things around will take a concerted effort on the part of the hall, city and state tourism officials, elected leaders, and even area residents and business owners who must understand that the hall is not just another tourist attraction.

Local tourism officials have a lot on their plates and many priorities including an underperforming convention center that has become the focus of a broad, new marketing effort called Springfield First. But a stronger focus on Springfield, the Hall of Fame, and the game of basketball is something thats needed.

In the end, donations from NBA players and emergency support from federal and state sources are not going to put the hall on solid financial footing for the long term. Only a strong, committed effort to permanently and forcefully connect Springfield with basketball can do that.-

By BusinessWest Staff April 13, 2009

Departments

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

Stewart, Darlene J.
a/k/a Stewart-Hernandez, Darlene J.
71 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09
Cohen, Burton
Cohen, Ruth Ann
PO Box 30152
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Alvins, LLC,
Alvaro, Joseph M.
Alvaro, Rebecca L.
Wilkinson, Rebecca L.
84 Fuller Street; Unit 3
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/05/09

Angers, Wayne D.
2 Oakley Estates
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/10/09