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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

Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC v. Hospitality Group Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned: $10,703.83
Filed: 10/24/08

Monica Dusseault & Stephanie Boryczka, as parents and guardian of minor Kyle Boryczka v. Bob’s Discount Furniture, LLC
Allegation: Negligence and breach of implied warranty: $21,040.03
Filed: 10/21/08

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Creative Office Interiors, Inc. v. PDV Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered, and breach of purchase and sales agreement: $10,7032.90
Filed: 10/06/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Daniel O’Connor & Sons Inc. v. Six Flags New England
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered and merchandise delivered: $38,208.36
Filed: 9/28/08

Harleysville Insurance v. Brake King Automotive Inc.
Allegation: Insurance premium due: $32,441.32
Filed: 9/29/08

KLC Inc. v. Nita Inc.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $53,091.95
Filed: 10/06/08

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Cheryl Jolana Talbot v. Michael E. Coby, DPM
Allegation: Medical malpractice: wrong site surgery: $30,809.42
Filed: 10/22/08

James L. Parks, et al v. Savvas Papazoglou, M.D., et al
Allegation: Medical malpractice:
$1.1 million
Filed: 10/22/08

Kenneth Smith v. Tubed Products Inc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000
Filed: 10/15/08

R. Lavoie Trucking Company Inc. v. Barr Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, labor, and services rendered: $220,000
Filed: 10/16/08

South Hadley Electric Light Dept. v.
Berkshire Design Group Inc.
Allegation: Negligence and breach of implied and express warranties in preparation of engineering and utility plans: $110,000
Filed: 10/28/08

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Francis Heating & Air Conditioning v. Stony Hill Realty, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $12,000
Filed: 9/25/08

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Electrical Wholesalers Inc. v. R.F.L. Electric Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment: $13,000.00
Filed: 10/21/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

84 Lumber v. Belco Construction Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,845
Filed: 10/03/08

ABC Refrigeration & Air Conditioning v. Miller Development Enterprise Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $24,238.70
Filed: 9/20/08

Jorge Yahdiel Lebron p/p/a Yanitza Lebron v. Bertera Chrysler Inc.
Allegation: Minor plaintiff sustained burns from coffee on a table in defendant’s showroom: $2,671.41
Filed: 9/16/08

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc. v. Accessory Group of New England Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $18,805.07
Filed: 10/03/08

Mary Lou Sanborn v. Greg’s Electrical Service
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,057.95
Filed: 9/18/08

Palazzesi Realty v. Pet Resorts International LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of rent: $6,600
Filed: 9/19/08

How Not to Make the Recession, or Depression, Worse

By
Opinion

Here are some signs of the times as a dreary 2008 comes to a close and a 2009 cloaked in anxiety and uncertainty sets to begin:

  • Safe sales are up. Many retail outlets reported a run on the metal vaults this fall as people sought ways to feel secure about what to do with their money; people must be putting such acquisitions to use, because by the end of June, domestic bank deposits had slipped by nearly $40 billion;
  • The Boston Globe prints an “Economic Survival Guide.” Headlines on the various pieces range from “Deal with getting laid off” to “Get by working part-time” to “Share bad news with your kids.”
  • Increasing use of the word depression — not the medical term, but the economic term. (Well, both, actually.) Usually put to use in clauses such as ‘worst since the Great Depression,’ the term has been employed more often lately to describe what may come to pass in 2009. FYI: Webster’s Collegiate defines depression as “a period of low general economic activity marked especially by rising levels of unemployment.”

    • All this points to what could be some very difficult times ahead even in a market (here comes that line again, sorry) that doesn’t see the serious swings, up or down, that other markets experience. We suggest that elected leaders in Congress, already under a great deal of stress with regard to the economy, piece together some kind of strategy for minimizing the damage from this severe downturn.

    As we’ve said many times before, this means a focus not on gimmicks or quick fixes or knee-jerk responses, but on well-thought-out strategic initiatives that will put resources, bailout funds, or whatever we might call them to the best use.

    And one of the best places to start is not with the auto industry — although we concede that a well-orchestrated plan of support designed to change the way the Big 3 does business and not promote business as usual is needed — but rather with direct infusions to states and communities.

    Unlike businesses, these entities cannot run deficits, and when revenues decline, as they have across the board, then painful cuts have to made, reductions that could potentially make the recession, or depression, of 2009 that much worse.

    As a point of reference, recall the budget cuts announced recently by Gov. Deval Patrick. They totaled $1 billion or so, and included cuts across the board — to colleges and universities, public-safety agencies, health care providers, parks, libraries, museums, day centers, nonprofit agencies that serve the poor, the blind, and those with HIV … you name it.

    These cuts add up. Community colleges will have to lay off staff, cut programs, raise fees, or all of the above, possibly, if not probably, reducing access to education. Meanwhile, health care providers will be forced to reduce staffs (several already have in fact), and some programs, such as those provided at Providence Behavioral Hospital in Holyoke, are imperiled. (In recent years, due to falling reimbursements, Providence has become almost dependent on emergency allocations from the Commonwealth.)

    And the Bay State is not unique in these actions, not by a long shot. New York’s Gov. David Paterson recently announced more than $5 billion in cuts, and California faces a $17 billion shortfall.

    There are movements being considered to send aid directly to cities, towns, states, and households that are all in a state of crisis on par with the Big 3, and we hope these calls are heeded. While a bailout of the automakers is needed to prevent a collapse of one or more of those companies, thus facilitating full-scale depression, support to cities, towns, and states is also needed.

    If it’s not forthcoming, we’ll all probably get more practice saying ‘depression,’ and we’ll certainly need that economic survival guide.

    By
    Departments

    Greta LaMountain has joined the law firm of Bacon Wilson, P.C. of Springfield. LaMountain, a general practitioner with a focus on financial and real estate matters, will work out of the Amherst office.

    •••••

    Peter Knapp recently became the new owner of Danco/Danish Inspirations in West Hatfield.

    •••••

    Pamela Mackenzie, Vice President of Comcast’s Hartford-Springfield area, was recently recognized with the Career Achievement Award by Women in Cable Telecommunications New England at its fourth annual awards ceremony in Boston. The award recognizes an individual who has had a milestone decade, has significantly impacted the cable industry, and is a visionary leader who is highly regarded by her employees and peers. Mackenzie oversees a 500-person team comprising technical operations, finance, human resources, and commercial and residential sales.

    •••••

    Scott Palmer has joined MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division as Vice President, Retirement Systems.

    •••••

    Sunshine Village in Chicopee announced the following:
    • Sandy Duprat has joined the agency as a Marketing Representative, and
    • Nancy Bailey has joined the agency as a Marketing Representative.

    •••••

    Fuss & O’Neill of Manchester, Conn. announced the following:
    • Ted DeSantos, Vice President and Leader of the Transportation and Structures Business Unit, has been promoted to Partner;
    • Chris Ecsedy, Project Director, Facilities and Environmental Services Business Unit, has been promoted to Partner;
    • John Chambers, Project Director, Development Services Business Unit, has been promoted to Partner, and
    • Rob Levandoski, Project Director, Manufacturing Solutions, LLC, has been promoted to Partner.

    •••••

    Dawn Mulvey of Home & Garden Party was recently promoted to Gold Designer with the company. To reach this goal, Mulvey had to have sponsored three team members and have monthly sales of $300 or more.

    •••••

    Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke announced the following:
    • Linda Raimondi has joined the firm as Director of Human Resources. In this role, Raimondi will oversee the recruitment, retention, and professional development of staff, as well as oversee the firm’s daily administrative operations.
    • Brenda Olesuk has been named Director of Marketing. She will provide leadership in the development and execution of the firm’s strategic marketing, advertising, and public-relations plans.

    •••••

    The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in West Springfield announced the following:
    • Janet E. Cassesse has been named Financial Coordinator in the Community Development section, and
    • Danielle J. Kahn has been named a Land Use and Environmental Planner.

    •••••

    PeoplesBank has appointed Melissa E. Richter Branch Manager at the Sumner Avenue office in Springfield.

    •••••

    Steven A. Davis was the recent recipient of a Nichols College Alumni Achievement Award. Davis is the President of Ventry Industries, a private firm in Springfield that invests in New England businesses.

    •••••

    Dawn Mulvey and Lisa Jarrett recently attended “Back to Basics,” Home & Garden Party’s annual conference rally in Las Vegas.

    •••••

    Northeast Utilities announced the following:
    • James A. Muntz has been promoted to President, Transmission, and
    • Patricia McCullough has been elected President and Executive Director of the Northeast Utilities Foundation. McCullough will continue to serve as a Director in NU’s enterprise planning group, working with NU’s operating companies on energy efficiency and resource management.

    •••••

    The Zonta Club of Quaboag recently honored Nancy Fletcher with its Founder’s Day Award, given annually to a woman who exemplifies the ideals of Zonta. Fletcher is Founder and Executive Director of ACT NOW! Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to building character and confidence in youth, particularly girls, through improvisation and movie making.

    •••••

    Robert N. Authier recently received the National Association of Realtors’ top executive award, the William R. Magel Award of Excellence, during its annual conference in Orlando. Authier is Chief Executive Officer of the 21,000-member Mass. Assoc. of Realtors.

    •••••

    Northwestern Mutual announced the following:
    • Dana R. Barrows will receive the company’s Forum Award, and
    • John H. Joyce will receive the company’s Forum Award.
    Barrows and Joyce are with The Zuzolo Financial Group, based in Springfield.

    •••••

    Paul Peter Nicolai, Principal of Nicolai Law Group P.C., has been elected a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. Nicolai has been named to the Strategic Development Committee of the association’s Center for Professional Responsibility.

    •••••

    Jim Vinick has been named Senior Vice President, Investments, for Moors & Cabot Inc., based in Boston, and will oversee its new office in Springfield at One Financial Plaza, 1350 Main St.

    By
    Departments

    NUVOFest

    On Nov. 13, NUVO Bank, the region’s newest financial institution, staged a day-long party — NUVOFest — to celebrate its arrival in Western Mass. A host of events were held in and around the bank’s headquarters in Tower Square, including a ‘money drop,’ below, featuring ‘NUVO dollars’ exchanged for prizes up to $1,000 for one lucky winner. There was a traditional ribbon-cutting featuring the bank’s principals, at right, Jeff Sadler (left) and Jim Gardner. Below right, Gardner addresses those gathered for a reception and champagne toast in the evening, while two of the ‘Silver Women’ strike a pose — in this case the NUVO logo.

    Entrepreneurship Summit

    On Nov. 12, Bay Path College held its annual Innovative Thinking & Entrepreneurship Summit. The event featured a number of speakers and breakout sessions. At left, Paul DiGrigoli, founder and president of DiGrigoli Salons, leads the breakout session called “Conquer Today’s Challenges.” At right, Susan Soloman, assistant professor of Business at Pay Path, addresses the audience.

    It’s Time for America to Get Its Swagger Back

    By
    Opinion

    All presidential elections are drawn out, trying, divisive processes, but this one was even more so — on every score.

    It seems like it’s taken forever to reach this point, and the ugliness factor involved in choosing our next president has set a standard that will be hard to match. But through it all, we seem to have reached something approaching consensus — an electoral count of 349 to 163, at press time, allows us to use that word — that Americans want not simply change but better leadership, and they believe Barack Obama can provide it.

    Let’s hope he can.

    Because this country has lost something over the past several years. For lack of a better term, we’ll call it swagger.

    The United States had, until quite recently, been respected by most of the rest of the world. It led the way when it came to innovation and entrepreneurship and bringing about positive change. All that seems gone now. The respect is certainly gone, and so, to a large degree, is that sense of entrepreneurship.

    We’re no longer watching to see if other countries can catch up to us — instead, we’re hoping to catch up to the new standards being set by other countries, especially China.

    This is one of the matters to consider as this nation enters what is always a very intriguing period, a time when the rancorous election process is behind us and people start to focus on the future and what can and should happen. We have some thoughts along those lines as well.

    Obviously, the economy is first and foremost on everyone’s minds, and the turmoil of the past few months is no doubt one of the key reasons why Obama was elected. Now, it’s his job to fix things — but it’s not only his job; the task belongs to everyone who helped create this mess and then tried to fix it with stopgap, knee-jerk responses designed primarily to keep the Dow from sliding, and they didn’t even do that.

    No, the economy can’t be fixed through $600 stimulus checks, nor with bailouts of major, and quite irresponsible, financial institutions. It will take much more than that, and perhaps the best place to start is with infusions of capital and support in programs that will generate new, well-paying jobs.

    In the ’30s, the government did this by building roads, bridges, and dams. Today, it could do it by fostering development of new energy sources and technology that will rid this country of its dependence on foreign oil and help preserve the planet for future generations.

    While making such investments, our elected leaders (not Obama all by himself) must address the annoying habit this country has of privatizing gains and socializing losses. The government enabled financial institutions to make the foolhardy moves that led to the recent meltdown, and then it bailed out those companies, or most of them, anyway. This wasn’t the first time this happened, but we hope it’s the last.

    Elected leaders can help make sure it is by somehow changing attitudes in boardrooms across the country. We need to lose the ‘quick, easy buck’ mentality — like putting people in homes even if they don’t qualify, knowing that we can make billions if we do and the government will bail us out if it all blows up — and earn money the old-fashioned way.

    In other words, corporations have to stop looking at the next batch of quarterly results and how to make them look better. They need incentives to look at and plan for the long term.

    All this is difficult, because voters are aren’t focused on the long term, either. They want the economy fixed, and they want it fixed now. They don’t want to dread opening their next 401(k) statement.

    In many respects, that’s Obama’s job — to make everyone’s 401(k) healthier. But in reality, the task is much broader and more difficult.

    He’s got to get that swagger back.-

    OPINION

    By
    Opinion
    Union Station: It Does Make Sense

    I read with interest BusinessWest’s recent editorial, “Union Station: It Still Doesn’t Make Sense,” and must respectfully disagree with this conclusion. In my view, the new plan for the redevelopment of Union Station (‘Union Station II’) represents an exciting opportunity to revitalize this long-dormant landmark, and it makes great economic sense for Springfield.

    In a nutshell, the plan positions Union Station as the key regional interchange for Amtrak and commuter rail service, regional and local bus service, and taxi service. The existing run-down rail terminal would become a modern public facility. A new bus terminal with a parking garage would be built on the site of the baggage building. Office space would be provided for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) as well as the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. A day-care center would serve employees throughout the downtown area. Finally, the ADA-accessible facility will include space for transit-related retail and more office uses in the future.

    Union Station II is the result of an intensive year-long planning effort undertaken by the PVTA, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, and the Springfield Business Development Corp. Working with HDR, an award-winning consulting firm, this team has produced a plan that resolves a number of thorny issues that plagued previous efforts.

    While it is true that Union Station II is less elaborate than earlier concepts, this new approach is both more realistic and within budget.

    Let’s take a closer look at why Union Station II makes sense:

    Enhanced transportation facilities. With the memory of $4-per-gallon gasoline fresh in our minds, the time has never been better to advance a project that will support mass transit as an alternative to over-reliance on the automobile.

    Transit-oriented development. Across the world, transit-oriented development (TOD) has emerged as a proven vehicle for achieving ‘smart growth’ by leveraging transit resources. Union Station will become a TOD anchor that will attract private investment to the area.

    Market-driven. Union Station II is well-grounded in Springfield’s real-estate market. This practical approach relies on fewer tenants that each have good reason to be located in a transit-themed facility.

    Downtown revitalization. The project will advance the cause of downtown, bringing new people to Springfield and improving the marketability of office space. It is an ongoing effort to move downtown forward, which includes a soon-to-be-announced plan for the federal building.

    Historic preservation. Union Station II will preserve one of Springfield’s most important landmarks, taking full advantage of Union Station’s architectural and historic character.

    ‘Green’ construction. The project will be undertaken on an environmentally sensitive basis. Sustainable design is expected to earn the project a ‘silver’ LEED rating.

    Financial viability. The redevelopment plan reflects strict financial discipline. It utilizes available federal financial resources and anticipates private investment as ancillary commercial space leases up.

    While it has taken longer than I would like to bring about revitalization of Union Station, the fact is that virtually every major economic development initiative involves a certain measure of uncertainty, frustration, and delay. In this case, the time spent is certainly reasonable given the complexities involved in assembling a viable project. In my view, the parties involved should be praised for their persistence in the face of multiple obstacles.

    Springfield wants and deserves a transportation center that is modern, clean, and efficient — a center that brings together various transportation options, including commuter rail and intercity bus service, in an attractive, welcoming, and customer-friendly setting. The economic and environmental benefits of a revitalized station support the promise of a brighter future for Springfield and the Pioneer Valley.

    Yes, Union Station II makes a whole lot of sense, and it deserves public support.-

    U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal represents the Second District of Massachusetts.

    By
    Departments

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

    Abare, Margaret E.
    28 Miles Morgan Court
    Wilbraham, MA 01095
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Andrews, Raymond L.
    69 Dalton Ave.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Aquarius Pools & Spas
    Motta, Daniel
    Motta, AnneLee
    19 Winsor St.
    PO Box 329
    Ludlow, MA 01056
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Beaudoin, Bernadette
    a/k/a Bator, Bernadette
    29 Hampden St. 2nd Fl.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/27/08

    Berube-Dearness, Karen A.
    P.O. Box 26
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/17/08

    Bourque, David A.
    Bourque, Kathleen S.
    15 Granger Place
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Bowen, Jerry P.
    164 Elizabeth Ave.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    Chicopee Computer & Networking
    Lostaglia, Patrick
    15 Erline St.
    Chicopee, MA 01013
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    Creek, Gerald A.
    Creek, Pamela S.
    105 Reservoir Road
    Westhampton, MA 01027
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Crouch, Margaret Othelle
    PO Box 1035
    Easthampton, MA 01027
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Cunningham, William A.
    3 Wenonah Place
    Longmeadow, MA 01106
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Daniels, Edward C.
    28 Woodbine Ave.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/20/08

    DeGray, Michelle A.
    209 Hanson Dr.
    Springfield, MA 01128
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Delgado, Olga I.
    191 Lamont St.
    Springfield, MA 01119
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Dellea, Barbara A.
    290 State Road, Apt. #3
    North Adams, MA 01247
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Demarey, Dawn Marie
    280 Rock Valley Road
    Holyoke, MA 01040
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/22/08

    Devine Design
    Devine, Stephen
    Devine, Linda M.
    49 Coleman Road
    Southampton, MA 01073
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Dew, Kim M.
    a/k/a Dew, Kimberly M.
    14 Little Ave.
    Greenfield, MA 01301
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Eddy, Arthur L.
    Eddy, Maryanne
    649 Prospect St., Apt. 1E
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Estremera, Sonia
    a/k/a Estremera Crespo, Sonia
    1386 Dwight St.
    Springfield, MA 01107
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Falcone, Christine M.
    20 Elizabeth St., Apt. A
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Forestier, Josefina
    1823 Roosevelt Ave.
    Springfield, MA 01109
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Gagliardi, Carol A.
    440 North St., Apt. #23
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Gagnon, Deborah Ann
    35 Kings Ter.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Gaida, Thomas A.
    699 Millers Falls Road
    Northfield, MA 01360
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Garcia, Deiby
    Garcia, Shirley A.
    24 Northwood St.
    Chicopee, MA 01013
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Gilpatric, Alysha A.
    47 North St.
    Great Barrington, MA 01230
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Gosselin, Rhonda Lynn
    16 Rolf Ave.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Grandy, Alan T.
    272 Meadow Dr.
    Tolland, MA 01034
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Grandy, Ashley H.
    a/k/a Donnellan, Ashley H.
    272 Meadow Dr.
    Granville, MA 01034
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Gutierrez, Daniel D.
    a/k/a Gutierrez, Daniela A.
    a/k/a Cardoso, Daniela A.
    57 Myrtle St.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Habib, Hamid
    32A Everett Ave.
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Hall, Steven C.
    395 Porter Lake Dr.
    Longmeadow, MA 01106
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Hammond, Mary M.
    a/k/a Payne, Mary M.
    511 Vernon Ave.
    P.O. Box 159
    South Barre, MA 01074
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Han, Keun S.
    33 Somers Road
    East Longmeadow, MA 01028
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Hannula, Robert Andrew
    85 Pequoig Ave., Apt. #2
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Harris, Shawn M.
    P.O. Box 824
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Heap, Joanne Mary
    a/k/a Heap-Coughlin, Joanne M.
    1066 Frank Smith Road
    Longmeadow, MA 01106
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/22/08

    Hobert, Cynthia L.
    129 Sheehan Dr.
    Holyoke, MA 01040
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Horne, Leonard J.
    Horne, Pauline M.
    198 College St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Housand, Sarah L.
    P.O. Box 683
    West Warren, MA 01092
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Jewett, Dana A.
    25 Richard Eger Dr.
    Holyoke, MA 01040
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    Kelly, Geoffrey M.
    92 Johnson St.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Kendall, Harvey A.
    Kendall, Susan J.
    21 Arnold St.
    Feeding Hills, MA 01030
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Kimberley, Victoria A.
    25 Leonard Ave.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    King, Peter D.
    171 Colonial Dr.
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Kum, Roger Olston
    128 Benton St.
    Springfield, MA 01109
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Lacascia, Matthew David
    PO Box 53
    Bondsville, MA 01009
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    		  

    Leclair, John David
    35 Kings Ter.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Lococo, Todd Michael
    430 Acrebrook Dr.
    Florence, MA 01062
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Lyon, Janet E.
    a/k/a Ladner, Janet E.
    1 Corey Colonial
    Agawam, MA 01001
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    MacNeil, Cheryl L.
    Kron, Michael P.
    15 Cooper St.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Marshuk, Dawn
    8 Villone Dr., Apt. 8
    Leeds, MA 01053
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Mayock, Frederick O.
    123 Academy Dr.
    Longmeadow, MA 01106
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    McCarthy, Linda M.
    120 Ashgrove St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    McFaul, Mary Katherine
    49 Moriarty Road
    Ware, MA 01082
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Medina, Emily
    56 Springfield St.
    Chicopee, MA 01013
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    Montanez, Michelle M.
    66 Palmer Road
    Monson, MA 01057
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Morrissette, Thomas J.
    Morrissette, Joyce M.
    84 Cooley Ave.
    East Longmeadow, MA 01028
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Murphy, Suzanne C.
    206 New Ludlow Road
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Neithercott, Peter H.R.
    356 B Hatfield St.
    Northampton, MA 01060
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Nguyen, Lien T.
    15 Glendell Ter.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Ortiz, Carlos
    Ortiz, Jeannette
    a/k/a Cortes, Jeanette
    13 Treetop Ave.
    Springfield, MA 01118
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Ovchinnikova, Liliya
    269 Chicopee St., Apt. 3
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Payne, Amanda M.
    213 Prentice St.
    Springfield, MA 01104
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Plouffe, Elizabeth
    13B Washburn Ave.
    Warren, MA 01083
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/22/08

    Privett, David W.
    Privett, Joanne M.
    102 Ludlow St.
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    Proulx, Maureen Ann
    PO Box 693
    Chicopee, MA 01021
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Ratte, Michael Joseph
    133 Highland Ave.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/22/08

    Registry Plaza Inc.
    Sundance Realty
    P.O. Box 290
    Hadley, MA 01035
    Chapter: 11
    Filing Date: 09/21/08

    Rivera, Milton Luis
    33 Parkin St.
    Springfield, MA 01104
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Robbins, Kelly L.
    61 East Palmer Park Dr.
    Palmer, MA 01069
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Rossmiller, Jennifer Klock
    a/k/a Klock, Jennifer Anne
    a/k/a Williams, Jennifer Anne
    94 Waldorf St.
    Springfield, MA 01109
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Ruiz, Heliodora
    18 Whitmore Dr.
    Springfield, MA 01104
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Sandifer, Regina M.
    463-B Crane Ave.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Savoy, Cynthia T.
    68 Ogden St.
    Indian Orchard, MA 01151
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/27/08

    Smith, Eric J.
    Smith, Tammy L.
    25 White St.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/26/08

    St. Pierre, Eric S.
    164 Allen St.
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    St. Pierre, Sharon M.
    24 St. Pierres Lane
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    Stevens, Nancy L.
    a/k/a Cormier, Nancy L.
    160 Second St.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Therrien, Katherine M.
    a/k/a Lanoue, Katherine M.
    14 Sycamore St., Apt.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/22/08

    Tocci, Jamie
    Tocci, Tammi L.
    520 Chauncey Walker Road
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Tophill Farm
    Shiny Pretty Things
    O’Gorman, Rochelle M.
    555 Devon Road
    Lee, MA 01238
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Turcotte, Ralph M.
    Turcotte, Patricia M.
    5 Newton St.
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Valentine-Luszcz, Tawnya A.
    a/k/a Luszcz, Tawnya A.
    400 Maple St.
    Springfield, MA 01105
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Velastegui, Robert Leonel
    a/k/a Carrasco, Bob L.
    a/k/a Velastegui-Carrasco, Bob
    93 Highland Ave.
    Ludlow, MA 01056
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/29/08

    Walker, Nicholas P.
    Walker, Katie M.
    640 Britton St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/25/08

    Watkins, Gloria Jean
    59 Park St.
    Turners Falls, MA 01376
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    Weckstrom, Karl Bernhard
    Weckstrom, Mary Ann
    a/k/a Uhrmacher, Mary Ann
    256 College Highway
    Southampton, MA 01073
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Wells, Thomas M.
    52 Parkside Ave.
    Pittsfield, MA 01201
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/24/08

    White, James G.
    97 Parallel St.
    Springfield, MA 01104
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/23/08

    Whitney, Frederick M.
    2283 Baptist Hill Road
    Palmer, MA 01069
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/16/08

    Woods, William E.
    223 Park Circle
    Sturbridge, MA 01566
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/19/08

    Zeigen, Coleman Palmer
    45 Holyoke St., Apt. G
    Easthampton, MA 01027
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/18/08

    By
    Departments

    Bay Path Receives NSF Awards

    LONGMEADOW — The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded a grant of $505,920 to Bay Path College to support scholarships and activities to attract and retain undergraduate women, in particular minority students, in biology, biotechnology, and forensic science. A primary goal of the grant will be to ensure that academically talented but financially challenged students who wish to pursue a career in the sciences will receive a scholarship and other financial assistance. Scholarship grants of up to $10,000 per year for four years will be available to academically qualified students. Additionally, work-study and research internships in a student’s given field of interest will be funded, allowing her to develop valuable career experience while earning money. Also, a book fund will be established to aid students in purchasing increasingly expensive science textbooks. The college will make its first awards for spring 2009. Bay Path President Carol A. Leary noted that, as part of the college’s five-year plan, focusing on significant investments in science education also coincides with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick taking steps to secure the state a global position in the life sciences and biotechnology industry with a $1 billion, 10-year Life Sciences Bill that has been signed by the state Senate and House. With this grant, Bay Path students will be well-positioned to take advantage of job opportunities as a result of this important initiative for Massachusetts, added Leary.

    Hampden Bancorp Declares Dividend

    SPRINGFIELD — Officials at Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced that net income for the three months ended Sept. 30 was $47,000, as compared to $521,000 for the same period in 2007. The decrease in net income was primarily the result of an increase in the provision for loan losses of $422,000 for the three months ended Sept. 30, compared to the same period in 2007. The increase in the provision for loan losses is due to increases in loan delinquencies, growth in the loan portfolio, and general economic conditions, according to bank officials. The company’s total assets increased by $7.7 million, or 1.4%, from $543.8 million at June 30 to $551.5 million at Sept. 30. Deposits increased $12.1 million, or 3.6%, to $343.5 million at Sept. 30, from $331.4 million at June 30. In other news, the board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share, payable on Nov. 26 to shareholders of record at the close of business on Nov. 12.

    Seahorse Labware Expands

    CHICOPEE — Seahorse Labware recently leased 3,750 square feet of additional space at its 300 Griffith Road site to accommodate growth, according to company officials. Initially, the additional space will be for warehouse use; however, officials note that the space may be converted for lab or manufacturing processes over time. Seahorse now occupies 30,000 square feet in the multi-tenant facility in Westover Airpark North, managed by Development Associates of Agawam. Seahorse services the life-sciences industry with instruments and consumable labware products for biological research and drug discovery.

    MassMutual Approves $1.35B Dividend

    SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company recently approved the payment of approximately $1.35 billion in dividends to eligible participating policyholders in 2009. The payout reflects a dividend interest rate of 7.6% on new eligible participating life-insurance policies. MassMutual, as a mutual company, is owned by its policyholders, meaning they share in the ownership of the company. Customers who purchase participating products from MassMutual receive an equitable share of a portion of the company’s divisible surplus in the form of dividends as approved by MassMutual’s Board of Directors each year. Company officials note that MassMutual has consistently paid dividends since the 1860s.

    Peter Pan Celebrates 75th; Driver Saluted

    SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines driver Everett Anderson, who recently completed his 38th year of accident-free driving, was honored Nov. 5 for his accomplishment at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield breakfast. Peter Pan’s 75th anniversary was also saluted at the morning affair. As a surprise for Anderson, a new model Peter Pan coach was unveiled with a wrap reading “Three Million Miles of Accident-Free Driving — Everett Anderson.” Anderson is one of a handful of motorcoach or commercial truck drivers nationwide to become a 3 million-mile safe driver, according to the National Safety Council. He is the second Peter Pan motorcoach operator to reach this milestone. A city resident, Anderson began driving for Peter Pan in 1970. During his tenture, he has received its highest honor, the Peter C. Picknelly Founder’s Award for excellence and the Mrs. Picknelly Sr. Award – Driver of the Year. Peter Pan serves more than 100 communities throughout the northeast corridor with daily express scheduled service, including Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and Washington, D.C.

    Business Assists Local Families

    HOLYOKE — Employees of Ace Fire and Water Restoration Inc. recently donated toys and books to the local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in the city. A wooden activity center, blocks, and Sesame Street books were among the donated items. Ace co-owner Gary Brunelle noted that his company was “very pleased” to present the toys and books to an important resource for local families. “Suffering property damage is especially stressful when young children are involved — this was a no-brainer,” he added.

    Pacesetter Award Winners Named

    HOLYOKE — Winners of the 2008 Pacesetter Awards were recently spotlighted at an awards breakfast, sponsored by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. The honorees were CRA Inc. as Small Business of the Year; Conklin Office Furniture, Inc., Pacesetter Award; Square One, Non-Profit Operational Excellence Award; and Western Mass. Enterprise Fund Inc., Business Advocate of the Year. Pacesetter Committee Chair Kathleen Buckley of Holyoke Medical Center noted that Holyoke has an abundance of small companies and nonprofit organizations that are highly successful and meeting challenges daily through ingenuity and outstanding management practices.

    Sunshine Village Relocates

    WESTFIELD — Sunshine Village, a nonprofit organization that cares for individuals with developmental disabilities, recently relocated its day-habilitation program to 74 Franklin St. Donna Erickson, program manager for the satellite location, noted that the new space offers more room for training and activities and is a more convenient location for most of its participants. In addition to its headquarters and worksite in Chicopee as well as the Westfield site, the organization maintains day-hab programs in West Springfield, Holyoke and Three Rivers. As part of its program, participants learn fundamental life skills, participate in self-help activities, and work to build a greater sense of self-worth. An open house is planned during the holiday season to introduce the program to the public.

    Student Prince Is ‘Legendary Restaurant’

    SPRINGFIELD — Each fall for the past 13 years, Gourmet has published a special restaurant issue that explores the newest trends in restaurants. This fall, Gourmet editor-in-chief Ruth Reichl wanted the October edition to be “different.” She noted on the Gourmet Web site that her staff went looking for a few grand American restaurants that have stood the test of time. Of the 20 ‘legendary’ American restaurants that met that criteria — and still serve great food — was the Student Prince. For information on the restaurant, visit www.studentprince.com.

    New Owner at Danco/Danish Inspirations

    WEST HATFIELD — A wide selection of clearance and discontinued items at Danco/Danish Inspirations may be purchased at further reductions in price this holiday season when making a donation to the United Way of Hampshire County, according to new owner Peter Knapp. Knapp noted that, during the holidays, various suppliers of Danish Inspirations will participate with incentives on their items if donations are made. Knapp added that he feels this is a “wonderful opportunity” to make good on his commitment to offer new designs and events to benefit the community. Since 1983, Danish Inspirations at Danco Modern has specialized in contemporary furniture and accessories. For more information, visit www.dancomodern.com.

    ESB Sponsors Town Celebration

    EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank recently contributed $15,000 to the Town of Hadley 350th Committee to help celebrate the town’s 1659 founding. The celebration will kick off in January with a dinner dance and continue with events and programs throughout 2009, including a lecture series, workshops, a picnic, a parade, a block party, a town history day, a fair, and a road race. David Martula, co-chair of the Hadley 350th Committee, noted that without the generosity of businesses and donors, it would have been impossible to plan such a varied and comprehensive list of activities. “Thanks to our donors, our celebration will go down as one of the most memorable in our history,” he said.

    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.

    CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

    Mercier’s Carper Service Inc. v. Anderson Builders Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $16,940.60
    Filed: 10/02/08

    National Vinyl Products Inc. v. Rugg Lumber Company Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of goods: $17,524.54
    Filed: 10/02/08

    GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

    Fairway Wholesale Corporation v. Rugg Lumber Company Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,769.15
    Filed: 10/06/08

    Northeast Treaters Inc. v. Rugg Lumber Company Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,103.48
    Filed: 10/06/08

    HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

    Mary Jean Picknelly v. R.E. LaPlante Construction Inc.
    Allegation: Negligence in erosion repair and stabilization services rendered causing property damage: $120,000+
    Filed: 10/08/08

    Paul Lopardo v. MassMutual Federal Credit Union
    Allegation: Employment discrimination: $210,000
    Filed: 10/01/08

    VFS Leasing Co. v. Ferris Transportation Inc.
    Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $79,032.56
    Filed: 9/24/08

    HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

    Adam M. Fishman p/p/a Robert & Maryann Fishman v. City of Northampton
    Allegation: Negligence and inadequate staffing in fifth-grade gym class resulting in plaintiff’s injuries: $97,417
    Filed: 10/03/08

    Katherine S. Kerber v. Somatic Systems Institute
    Allegation: Balance pursuant to a judgment: $41,728.78
    Filed: 10/06/08
    Kim Baker, et al v. Western Mass Electric Company, et al
    Allegation: Negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, and breach of contract stemming from placement of a faulty transformer: $100,000
    Filed: 9/29/08

    Linda Hiesiger, et al v. City of Northampton
    Allegation: Plaintiffs seek monetary damage as well as injunctive relief. Tort action for nuisance and trespass against the Northampton Regional Sanitary Landfill: $750,000
    Filed: 10/14/08

    Town of South Hadley v. Berkshire Design Group Inc.
    Allegation: Breach of contract for engineering services leading to additional expense incurred by plaintiff; $641,324.71
    Filed: 10/08/08

    PALMER DISTRICT COURT

    Coler & Colantonio Inc. v. New England Construction Equipment, LLC
    Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $20,448.66
    Filed: 9/09/08

    SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

    Chicopee Concrete Services v. Custom Concrete
    Allegation: Breach of contract for concrete services: $5,060.62
    Filed: 9/30/08

    Daniel Medina v. Michael Moore Stanley & Sons
    Allegation: Breach of contract for concrete services: $6,895
    Filed: 10/03/08

    Grimaldi Inc. v. MTCS Realty Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of products and services: $17,419.95
    Filed: 10/03/08

    Lianne Azevedo v. Best Fitness and Life Fitness
    Allegation: Plaintiff received injury from equipment at defendant’s location: $10,000.00+
    Filed: 10/01/08

    Tomarc Machine Company Inc. v. Ace Precision Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment on judgment: $6,606.65
    Filed: 9/29/08

    WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

    Heritage Surveys, Inc. v. Mountain Rd. Estates, LLC
    Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $10,014
    Filed: 9/25/08

    By
    Departments

    Joseph Wojnas of Hatch Mott MacDonald in Holyoke has obtained his Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation. Wojnas is a Physical Engineer and works as a project manager on municipal infrastructure and natural-gas pipeline projects.

    •••••

    Todd M. Crevier, a real-estate Sales Professional, recently joined Keller Williams Realty and will be working in the Longmeadow office.

    •••••

    Amy Egan has joined the Enfield, Conn. office of Prudential Connecticut Realty as a Sales Executive.

    •••••

    Dr. Pikeshkumar Patel has joined the practice of Baystate Medical Practices – Greenfield Gastroenterology. Patel, a Gastroenterologist, is on the medical staff at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

    •••••

    Wendy M. Murakami has been appointed Wellness Coordinator at Ruth’s House, a program of Jewish Geriatric Services. Ruth’s House is an assisted-living residence.

    •••••

    Joe Moleski has been named by Penske Truck Leasing to the newly created position of Vice President/Sustainability.

    •••••

    Speech Therapist Natalie Powers has joined the Rehabilitation Department at Baystate Rehabilitation Care located at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware.

    •••••

    Chicopee Savings Bank announced the following:
    • Kerri Herzig has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President-Financial Reporting, and
    • Lloyd Hall has joined the bank as an Internal Auditor.

    •••••

    Don Rivard of Rivard’s Resources: IPM was recently recognized as a “Boston Hero at Home” by the Boston Public Health Commission. The award represents contributions to improving the health and quality of life for Boston residents, particularly those with asthma. Rivard is a former resident of Springfield.

    •••••

    Terry Ianello, owner and operator of Terry Etc. Hair & Nails Salon in Springfield, has recently returned from a five-day trip to France. Ianello was one of 12 hair designers across the United States invited as guests of Rene Furterer, the hair-care division of French pharmaceutical giant Pierre Fabre.

    •••••

    Environmental Compliance Services Inc. has named Michael Murdzia as a Senior Project Manager.

    •••••

    The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts announced the following:
    • Elizabeth D. Scheibel has been named the new Chair of the Board. Scheibel is the Massachusetts District Attorney for the Northwestern District;
    • Sandy Belden, retired President of the Community Bank of Syracuse, has been named to the Board;
    • Dianne Doherty, Regional Director of the Mass. Small Business Development Center, has been named to the Board;
    • Sue Lobello, former Chair of the Board of The Food Bank of Western Mass., has been named to the Board;
    • Steve Mitus, Executive Vice President of Balise Auto Sales, has been named to the Board, and
    • Jay Primack, Managing Partner of Moriarty and Primack, P.C., has been named to the Board.

    •••••

    William B. Meyer Inc. has named Mike Humen to serve as Director of Business Development.

    •••••

    Adam D. Raczkowski has been appointed President of W. F. Young Inc. of East Longmeadow. Raczkowski is only the third president in the company’s history who is a non-family member.

    •••••

    The Children’s Study Home announced the following:
    • Shawn M. deVillier, Senior Vice President of Investments at Raymond James in Springfield, has joined the Board of Directors, and
    • Dale Desmarais, General Sales Manager at Grynn and Barrett in Holyoke, has joined the Board of Directors.

    •••••

    Vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. George Hartnell has joined the medical staff of Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

    •••••

    Ronn Johnson, Director of Community Responsibility at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Springfield, will become a member of the Early Education for All (EEA) Campaign’s advisory committee. EEA is a coalition of leaders from business, early childhood, labor, religion, health care, education, and philanthropy, working in partnership with families, grass-roots leaders, and state policymakers to make high-quality early-education available to every Massachusetts child.

    •••••

    Todd Peetros has been named an Account Executive at Integrity Graphics Inc. of Windsor, Conn. He will be responsible for sales and the development of targeted markets.

    •••••

    John Mankowski has been appointed to Manager of Engineering for Convergent Lasers at PRIMA North America Inc, the North American subsidiary of PRIMA INDUSTRIE S.p.A., Torino, Italy.

    •••••

    The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the following:
    • Greg Chiecko, Sales Director at the Eastern States Exposition, will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors;
    • Peter Rosskothen, Owner of The Log Cabin & Delaney House, will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors;
    • Joseph Carvalho, President and Executive Director of the Springfield Museums Assoc., will serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • John Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, will serve a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Carolyn Edwards, Senior Marketing Director of Prime Outlets, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Debra Flynn, Owner of Eastside Grill, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Robert Gilbert, President and CEO of Dowd Insurance, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Harlan Kent, President and COO of Yankee Candle Company, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Larry Litton, Park President, Six Flags New England, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors;
    • Bruce Nable, President, SER Expo Services, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors, and
    • Christina Pappas, President, Open the Door Communications, has been named to a two-year term on the Board of Directors.
    Members of the Board of Directors who have been nominated to serve an additional two-year term include:
    • Stu Hurwitz, Owner of the former Rein’s Deli;
    • William Rogalski, General Manager of the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside;
    • Robert Schwarz, Vice President of Peter Pan Bus Lines, and
    • Daniel Walsh, Vice President and Managing Director of Columbus Hotels.
    The following individuals, whose terms will expire in 2009, will remain on the Board of Directors:
    • John Hesslein, Station Manager of CBS-3 Springfield;
    • Matt Hollander, General Manager of the MassMutual Center;
    • Kevin Kennedy, Communications Director at Museums10/Five Colleges, Inc.;
    • Bruce Landon, President and General Manager of the Springfield Falcons Hockey Club;
    • Judith Matt, President of the Spirit of Springfield;
    • Tim O’Brien, President of Scorpio Communications;
    • Shardool Parmar, Co-owner of the Pioneer Valley Hotel Group;
    • Paul Picknelly, President of Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel;
    • Rod Warnick, Hospitality Tourism Management Department Head at the UMass Amherst, and
    • Lenny Weake, President of the Quaboag Valley Chamber of Commerce.

    •••••

    Winners of the 2008 Pacesetter Awards were recently announced by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce as follows:
    • CRA Inc. was named Small Business of the Year;
    • Conklin Office Furniture Inc. received the Pacesetter Award;
    • Square One received the Non-Profit Operational Excellence Award, and
    • Western Mass. Enterprise Fund Inc. received the Business Advocate of the Year Award.

    By
    Departments

    Rays of Hope

    It was a 15th anniversary walk that will be long remembered. Record numbers of walkers and teams — 15,000 and 420, respectively — turned out Oct. 26 for Rays of Hope – A Walk Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, fueled by a growing desire to find a cure for breast cancer and to support breast-cancer programs and services at Baystate Health. While donations will continue to come into the Baystate Health Foundation during the coming weeks, this year’s day-of-walk total was $725,000, bringing the total number of dollars raised since the event’s inception to more than $7 million. Through the Baystate Health Foundation, 100% of the proceeds from the walk remain in Western Mass. to fund programs for breast-cancer patients and survivors and breast-health programs at the Comprehensive Breast Center at Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, and for breast-cancer research at Baystate Medical Center and Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute. Funds also support community organizations including Cancer Connection and Cancer House of Hope. This year’s walk was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Health New England, as well as Silver Sponsors Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation and Balise Motor Sales, and many other generous corporate sponsors throughout Western Mass.

    The Write Stuff

    Poet and activist Nikki Giovanni made a presentation at Springfield Technical Community College on Oct. 31, speaking to 1,500 students from area colleges as well as local high-school and middle-school students. The event was sponsored by the STCC Diversity Council, along with Baystate Health, MassMutual, American International College, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Black Men of Greater Springfield, PeoplesBank, Afro-American Point of View, Springfield College, UnityFirst News, WTCC radio, and Western New England College.

    Third Thursday

    Attendees gather for a group shot at the Young Professional Society (YPS) Third Thursday event at Hofbrahaus in West Springfield on Oct. 16. The group meets monthly at locations across Western Mass. to network, recruit new members, and, in general, advance the YPS mission to engage, involve, and educate area young professionals.

    By
    Departments

    Health New England Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service

    SPRINGFIELD — According to a report released by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Health New England (HNE) achieved the highest rating in customer service among 160 commercial HMO/POS health plans surveyed in the U.S. In the Quality Compass 2008 report, HNE achieved the highest ratings in the country in the ‘Customer Service’ composite measure. HNE scored 93.46, which means 93.46% of the respondents answered ‘Always’ or ‘Usually’ to questions such as: “in the past 12 months, how often did your health plan’s customer service give you the information or help you needed?” and “in the past 12 months, how often did your health plan’s customer-service staff treat you with courtesy and respect?” The NCQA publicly reports comparative results of health plans regionally and nationally in its annual Quality Compass report. NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. It accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes physicians in key clinical areas.

    Berkshire Hills Completes Stock Offering

    PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. has raised $36 million through its public stock offering and has issued 1.5 million shares of common stock. The company expects to record net proceeds from the offering of approximately $33.5 million. Additionally, the underwriters have an unexercised 30-day over-allotment option to purchase an additional 225,000 shares. Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P. acted as lead book-running manager, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Inc. was a co-manager for the offering. Due to strong investor demand, the company increased the amount of the offering by 20%, according to Michael P. Daly, president and CEO.

    Three Local Companies Win Impact Awards

    WELLESLEY — Three Springfield companies were among a host of businesses across the state recently recognized by the Mass. Alliance for Economic Development for their “outstanding contributions” to the state economy. The state organization recently announced the winners in preparation for its Nov. 25 awards luncheon at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel. Solutia received a Gold Impact Award, while Liberty Mutual received a Silver Impact Award, and the Court Square Group received a Bronze Impact Award. The winning companies were selected after a reception with their competitors and judges at an event at the University of Massachusetts Club, hosted by UMass President Jack Wilson. The reception enabled representatives from the companies to present their attributes in the categories of job growth, facility expansion, investment, and community involvement since Jan. 1, 2007. For more information on the Nov. 25 luncheon, visit www.massecon.com.

    Eastfield Mall Adds Electric Security Vehicle

    SPRINGFIELD — Eastfield Mall recently purchased a three-wheeled electric vehicle, the T-3, which assists security officers patrolling the mall’s parking lots. On days with appropriate weather, the T-3 will replace one of the two trucks that would normally patrol the lots, according to Arlene Putnam, general manager of Eastfield Mall. The T-3 can go up to 20 mph and has a nine-inch platform to give the officer enhanced visibility over parked cars and crowds. The vehicle is also equipped with a horn, siren, headlights, and emergency lights. The T-3 uses rechargeable batteries, and the cost of running it is under 10 cents per day, added Putnam. Made by T-3 Motion, the environmentally friendly vehicle is a zero-emissions vehicle and gets the equivalent of more than 500 miles per gallon. Putnam noted that the T-3 purchase is the largest investment that mall management has made in taking steps to lessen the impact of the mall on the environment.

    Stevens Design Studio Changes Name

    WESTFIELD — Owner Tina Stevens recently announced that Stevens Design Studio at 470 Southampton Road has changed its name to Stevens 470 to better represent its current business model for delivering marketing expertise and creative solutions. Stevens 470 references its studio location and serves as an invitation to visit and exchange information and ideas on marketing, design, and technology. Stevens added that her team of marketing strategists, designers, and Web developers provide comprehensive programs for marketing products and services.

    Banco Santander To Acquire Sovereign Bancorp

    NEW YORK — Banco Santander, S.A. and Sovereign Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Sovereign Bank, recently announced that Banco Santander will acquire Sovereign in a stock-for-stock transaction. Under the terms of the agreement, Sovereign shareholders will receive 0.2924 Banco Santander American Depository Shares for every one share of Sovereign common stock they own. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including bank regulatory approvals in the U.S. and Spain and approval by both companies’ shareholders. Sovereign Bancorp is a financial institution with principal markets in the Northeastern U.S. Banco Santander, S.A., the largest financial group in Spain and Latin America, is the largest bank in the euro zone by market capitalization and was fifth in the world by profit in 2007. For more information, visit www.santander.com.

    United Financial Posts Strong Third-quarter Numbers

    WEST SPRINGFIELD — United Financial Bancorp, the holding company for United Bank, reported net income of $2.4 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2008 compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the corresponding period in 2007. The company’s improved results were due largely to a significant increase in net interest income, driven by net interest margin expansion and growth in average earning assets, and, to a lesser extent, growth in non-interest income. The company also announced a quarterly cash dividend of 7 cents per share, payable on Dec. 1, 2008 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 6, 2008. As for other third-quarter results: total assets increased $155.8 million, or 14.4%, to $1.2 billion at Sept. 30, 2008, from $1.1 billion at year-end 2007, reflecting growth of $111.2 million, or 55.2%, in securities for sale and $38.5 million, or 4.7%, in total loans, Balance sheet expansion was funded by increases of $42.2 million, or 5.9%, in total deposits and $118 million, or 109.4%, in Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

    By
    Departments

    The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of October 2008.

    AGAWAM

    Dean’s Landscaping
    349 Barry St.
    John-Michael Dean

    Favor Home Remodeling
    106 Columbia Dr.
    Mark St. Laurent

    Northern Snow Removal
    31 Maple St.
    Nicholas Pandolfi

    AMHERST

    Hybrid Fire
    38 Lessey St.
    Aaron Soules

    Levsco
    370 Potwine Lane
    Peter Levy

    CHICOPEE

    Bernat’s Polish Meat Products & Deli
    895 Meadow St.
    Gregory & Edward Bernat

    Bulldog Jakes
    64 Olea St.
    Gayle Marie Davignon

    Chicopee Windows
    36 Mercedes St.
    Robin Campbell

    Secure Solutions
    213 Dayton St.
    Robert Morgan

    Squeaky Clean Inc.
    48 Center St.
    James Michael Thomson

    EASTHAMPTON

    Home Town Painting
    17 Harrison Ave.
    Karlene Foster

    JMW Construction
    14 Plymouth Ave.
    James Wildman

    Roy Chiropractic & Wellness Center
    132B Cottage St.
    Dr. Norman G. Roy

    GREENFIELD

    El Greco Café
    233 Main St.
    Kosta Pitaridis

    Jacqui’s Cleaning Service
    91 Norwood St.
    Jacqueline L. Wilkins

    Lucky Nails
    130 Main St.
    Tai H. Hunh

    Moonlight Auto Reconditioning
    1110 Bernardston Road
    John Woods

    HOLYOKE

    Executive Flooring
    30 Lynwood Ave.
    Raymond J. Mansfield

    Health Power
    50 Holyoke St.
    Yong Qiang Li

    LONGMEADOW

    ABC Home Daycare
    361 Wolf Swamp Road
    Cheryl Cochi

    Counsel & Gynecology Group, P.C.
    175 Dwight Road
    Max Chorowski, M.D.

    JR Enterprises
    192 Captain Road
    Ronald Mack

    Prospect Group
    43 Benedict Terrace
    Michael Green

    NORTHAMPTON

    Bistro 186
    186 Main St.
    Robert B. Lowney

    Chameleon’s Hair Salon
    2 Conz St.
    Teri Woodland

    Ostrander Law Office
    36 Service Center Road
    David W. Ostrander

    Pillow Casey
    30B Avis Circle
    Pamela D. Estes

    Valley DBT & CBT
    32 Masonic St.
    Rosemary Roy

    Queen Nail Salon
    138 King St.
    Khanh N. Tran

    PALMER

    Pathways
    1085 Park St.
    Victor Acquista

    Premier Communications
    11 Hobbs St.
    Robert Lucier

    Ray’s Towing & Repair
    1205 South Main
    Raymond LaBonte, Jr.

    		  

    SOUTH HADLEY

    Nailz by Jennifer
    135 College St.
    Jennifer Deleon

    Russ Foisy Electrical Service
    16 Lathrop St.
    Russell R. Foisy

    Nathan Abraham & Associates
    158 Riverboat Village Road
    Nathan Abraham

    SOUTHWICK

    MLS Services Co.
    68 Granville Road
    Michael Shea

    Passion in Performing Arts
    627 College Highway
    Theresa Dellamarco

    Southeastern Financial Group
    603 College Highway
    Keith Deyo

    SPRINGFIELD

    MYM Services
    197 Florida St.
    Yasir Osman

    New York Nails
    1368 Allen St.
    Jennifer Thu Costa

    Pentecostal Church
    155 Chestnut St.
    Julio Edwards

    Perfect Cuts Barber
    472 Bridge St.
    Frankie C. Pileggi

    Princess Nails
    368 Cooley St.
    Michael Cao

    Prolase
    933 Belmont Ave.
    Maria Bianchi

    Riverbend Medical Group
    305 Bicentennial Highway
    Robert L. Lounsbury

    Rubet Commercial Cleaning
    17 Fairhaven Dr.
    Luis Rubet

    Seabrooks Cleaning Service
    73 Edgewood St.
    Ulysses Seabrooks

    Studs Only National Scene
    135 Boston Road
    Yolanda R. Cancel

    T3WP
    69 Anne St.
    Richard J. Blake

    Tenants & Landlords
    1655 Main St.
    Castillo Castle LLC

    This & That Collectible
    98 Carver St.
    Sara Louise Bechta

    U Know Tech
    892 Main St.
    Ronald Lopez

    Universal Real Estate
    115 State St.
    Daniel D. Kelly

    WESTFIELD

    D & D Design
    48 Marla Circle
    Diane Strattner

    Sweet Reveal
    1 Overlook Dr.
    Carla Kone

    Westfield Community News.com
    20 Perkins St.
    Sally Memole

    WEST SPRINGFIELD

    Closet Factory
    266 Cold Spring Ave.
    David Townsend

    Fathers & Sons
    989 Memorial Ave.
    Damon S. Cartelli

    Kia of West Springfield
    468 Memorial Ave.
    Damon S. Cartelli

    Mind, Body, & Skin
    117 River St.
    Jennifer Pruitte

    Nut House Designs
    80 Windsor St.
    Roy D. Bessette

    Richard’s Grinders
    875 Memorial Ave.
    Brian Cleland

    Sherwin-Williams
    126 Baldwin St.
    Joseph Ward

    Wood Stock Mills Inc.
    266 Cold Spring Ave.
    David W. Townsend

    By
    Departments

    Reality Store

    Area high-school seniors learned the financial facts of life at the Reality Store event hosted at Springfield Technical Community College on Oct. 17. Tables represented categories such as housing, transportation, clothing, furniture, child care, groceries, insurance, and financial institutions, and were staffed by local business volunteers. Each student was handed a card with a life scenario, including a fictitious age, salary, education level, marital status, number of children, employment history, etc. They were given a check register and had to allocate their funds to provide necessities of life; if they ran out of money, they were steered to the part-time job table to see if there were any jobs available for which they would qualify. The students came from Chicopee High School, Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Enfield High School, Enrico Fermi High School, and West Hartford High School. The financial-literacy event is held annually by the Enfield Public Schools, based on a national model pioneered by the Indiana chapter of the Business and Professional Women Assoc. At top right is Barbara Lyon, transition coordinator for the Enfield Public Schools, who has organized the Reality Store event for students in this area for the past five years.

    Driving Force

    All States Transport Inc. (AST) recently celebrated the official opening of its national headquarters at 1067 East Columbus Ave. in Springfield. Founded in 1985, AST is a freight-brokerage company with offices in Texas, Florida, and Wisconsin, and it moves customer freight via road, rail, water, and air. From left are Pam Okeefe, an employee of AST; Angie Florian, a representative of the South End Citizens Council (SECC); Chris Kingston, AST; Leo Florian, SECC; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Billy Kingston, president of AST; and Jennifer Irwin, Phil Ierasi, Mary Dinas, and Natalia Wichowsky, all employees of AST.

    County Strengths Dialogues

    Hampden County leaders gathered recently to discuss the strengths of the county and their vision for change. The luncheon at the Delaney House was part of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. “County Strengths Dialogues” in each of the counties of Western Mass. From left are Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Mass.; Carol Klyman and Ellen Freyman of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin; and Joan Kagan, CEO of Square One.

    OPINION

    By
    Opinion
    Fostering the Development of a ‘Smart Grid’

    New England states have laid out an ambitious agenda to slow the growth in electricity use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, develop renewable resources, maintain power-system reliability, and lower costs. The sometimes-conflicting nature of these goals makes it difficult to align them.

    Indeed, this is a critical juncture for New England. For decades, the region has faced formidable energy challenges, from a lack of indigenous fuel sources to historically high costs, a weak transmission system, and growing consumer demand. The introduction of competitive electricity markets a decade ago has provided a solid foundation for progress: almost $10 billion in private investment in new power plants has boosted supply by more than 30%, and $3 billion of long-overdue transmission investment with about $5 billion more being planned will result in a more-efficient flow of power throughout the region.

    The next steps can be achieved by developing solutions that accommodate and harness recent technological innovations to improve the efficiency of the power grid — in other words, to foster the development of a ‘smart grid.’

    This ‘smart grid’ means far more than the use of technology. It means establishing ‘smart’ policies that will bring new technology to all corners of the power system to optimize supply, transmission, and conservation. It also means being smart about resource choices in the long term, so that the region can diversify its fuel sources and lessen its reliance on natural gas and oil to produce electricity.

    On the regional level, smart-grid technology has been incorporated into New England’s power system operations so that grid conditions both inside and outside the region can be monitored. Moreover, ISO New England is committing funds for the development of an ‘Advanced Grid Simulator’ that will help determine how the grid will operate with the addition of intermittent alternative energy resources such as wind.

    New electricity markets were recently implemented to expand the types of resources used to meet consumer demand. New England’s markets now procure in advance not just traditional supply such as power plants, but also conservation resources that reduce electricity use and have never been included in the marketplace before.

    This fall, the ISO began a pilot program designed to test alternative energy resources, including energy storage, as a way to instantaneously balance electricity supply and demand. At the state level, policies are being implemented that will maximize the potential of these innovations and encourage their continued development. The state recently enacted the Green Communities Act that promotes the development of renewable resources and energy-efficiency programs.

    Meanwhile, the state of Connecticut passed energy legislation that promotes conservation and reduced demand to limit the growth in electricity use. Connecticut has become a leader in demand response, which provides financial incentives for customers to lower their electricity use during tight supply periods. And energy efficiency programs are giving consumers tools to better manage their energy use.

    Some New England states are either considering the adoption of smart meters or have already introduced pilot programs. Such technologies would provide consumers with real-time price information to enable them to better manage their use and lower their bills.

    The goals that have been set for renewable resources, conservation, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are ambitious, but feasible if industry and government continue to build on progress. Technology transformed the region’s economy in the 1980s and ’90s, and fostered improvements in productivity and efficiency in industries around the world. New England can be at the center of another technological revolution in power delivery and use — automating the system to make it more efficient and bringing the economic, environmental, and energy needs of the region into closer alignment.-

    Gordon van Welie is president and CEO of Holyoke-based ISO New England Inc.

    By
    Departments

    Instinctive Leadership Workshop

    Oct. 28: Ravi Kulkarni and Lynn Whitney of Clear Vision Alliance will present a workshop on “Instinctive Leadership” from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Baystate Reference Labs conference center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. The session will focus on understanding and adapting communication styles to connect effectively with others, as well delve into the correlation between good parenting skills and good leadership skills. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call (413) 283-7091 or E-mail [email protected]. Kulkarni and Whitney will also present a Nov. 11 workshop on inspiring and motivating others to take responsibility for their own actions, and a Dec. 9 workshop will explain how to empower others to develop the skills necessary to become future leaders.

    Creating Business Plans

    Oct. 30: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present “Your First Business Plan” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 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 $35. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

    Estate Planning Talk

    Oct. 30: Hyman Darling, JD, of Bacon Wilson, P.C. will discuss “Personalizing Your Legacy” during a free talk in the dining room at Loomis House, 298 Jarvis Ave., Holyoke, beginning at 7 p.m. Darling will discuss ethical wills, provisions for a child or grandchild with special needs, charitable bequests, and gift annuities. For more information, contact Carol Constant, director of development for the Loomis Communities, at (413) 532-5325, ext. 184.

    Fusion Marketing

    Nov. 6: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present a workshop that delivers the essential elements necessary to boost customer visits and sales through what is known as fusion marketing. This concept can also be described as ‘tie-ins,’ ‘joint ventures,’ ‘strategic alliances,’ and ‘cross-promotions.’ Participants will take away a simple system, action plan, and accountability mechanism that will help them cultivate multiple fusion-marketing partners. The program from 9 to 11 a.m. includes a 20-page workbook. The session is planned at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

    MHA Workforce Summit

    Nov. 7: The Mass. Hospital Association will present “Hospitals as Employers of Choice: Maintaining a Competitive Edge by Being the Best of the Best” from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Conference Center at Waltham Woods in Waltham. The eighth annual workforce summit will highlight many of the best practices that are helping hospitals recruit and retain a strong workforce. Topics scheduled for discussion include: “Planning for the Future to Heal the Health Care Staffing Shortage,” “Creating an Engaged Workplace at all Levels,” “Mentoring as a Health Care Workforce Retention Tool,” and “Massachusetts’ Top-Rated Hospitals Share Retention Strategies.” For registration information, call (781) 262-6059 or visit www.mhalink.org.

    Using the Internet To Grow Business

    Nov. 12: Hidden Tech and the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will host “Using the Internet to Grow Your Business” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Meet the valley’s Web service resources — the people and companies that can help businesses start, improve, or expand their Web presence. The cost is $10. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org.

    ‘Your First Business Plan’

    Nov. 13: The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce will co-sponsor “Your First Business Plan” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network at the Amherst Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Walk. 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.

    WMEF Annual Meeting

    Nov. 14: Western Mass. Enterprise Fund Inc. will host its annual meeting from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton St., Holyoke, with a focus on helping to create economic resilience. As part of the annual event, several awards will be presented, including “Micro Enterprise of the Year,” “Small Business of the Year,” and “Community Partner of the Year.” Local business product and service displays are also planned. For more information, contact Lee Reiner at (413) 420-0183, ext. 100. Attendees must RSVP via E-mail to [email protected] by Oct. 31.

    City of Bright Nights Ball

    Nov. 15: A Japanese Garden setting — complete with Tea House — will set the mood for the 2008 City of Bright Nights Ball in the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Springfield-Monarch Place. The event is the largest fund-raiser of the year for the Spirit of Springfield. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner with the flavors of Japan, dancing, and the chance to win and purchase a variety of gift items. Tickets are $500 per couple, and tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, visit www.spiritofspringfield.org or call (413) 733-3800.

    Understanding the Basics of Cash Flow

    Nov. 19: Representatives of Boiselle, Morton & Associates, LLP will present a workshop to help individuals understand the basics of cash flow, the timing of cash inflows and outflows, how to determine the company’s cash flow, how to improve cash flow, and how cash flow is different from profit. The program is an offering of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org.

    Clean-energy Conference

    Nov. 22: Robert Pollin, an economics professor at UMass Amherst, will discuss results of his recent study on the outlook for green jobs and working toward a low-carbon economy at the Clean Energy Connections Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Pollin will identify sectors where new jobs and growth might be expected. The keynote speaker will be Bracken Hendricks, a founder of the national nonprofit Apollo Alliance, and co-author of Apollo’s Fire: Igniting America’s Clean Energy Economy. Hendricks and Pollin collaborated on a national “Green Recovery” study produced by the Center for American Progress, which determined that a $100 billion national investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy would create at least 2 million jobs nationwide and more than 42,000 jobs in Massachusetts alone. Other featured speakers are State Sen. Benjamin Downing; State Rep. Daniel Bosley; Phil Giudice, a commissioner of the Mass. Department of Energy Resources; and Chris Kilfoyle, president of Berkshire Photovoltaics Corp. The conference is intended to be a forum for individuals and organizations accelerating the growth of the clean-energy economy in Massachusetts and those seeking clean-energy career information. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.umass.edu/green or call (413) 545-2706.

    The Creative Economy

    December 9: The Studio Arts Building at UMass Amherst will be the setting for an informative program on how the ‘creative economy’ plays an increasingly important role in Western Mass. in job creation, revenue growth, and quality of life. Speakers will be artists Josh Simpson and Scott Prior, who will speak about their work and their marketing efforts, beginning at 6 p.m. The cost is $25. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org.

    By
    Departments

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

    Acosta, Luz Maria
    3 Southern Dr.
    Chicopee, MA 01013
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/08/08

    Ahlberg, Paul E.
    Ahlberg, Ashley L.
    50 Thompson St.
    East Longmeadow, MA 01028
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/12/08

    Allen, Corey T.
    Allen, Christina
    a/k/a Lakavich, Christina
    625 Montgomery Road
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Argueta, German A.
    a/k/a Argueta, Alex
    46 Bartlett St., #1
    Springfield, MA 01107
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Arroyo, Ivan E.
    Arroyo, Jessica L.
    a/k/a Gonzalez, Jessica L.
    723 Belmont Ave.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Augusto, Ashley Marie
    80 Vienna Ave.
    Ludlow, MA 01056
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Barboza, Heidi A.
    82 Quabog Valley Co-Op
    Palmer, MA 01069
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Bennefield, Andrea T.
    204 / 206 Albemarle St.
    Springfield, MA 01109
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Brown, Charles K.
    Brown, Tami S.
    286 Ridge Road
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Burgess, Luke M.
    134 College Highway
    Southampton, MA 01073
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/08/08

    Burkovsky, Peter F.
    Burkovsky, Liliya P.
    P. O. Box 177
    Chicopee, MA 01021
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Burnett, Marshall
    46 Blandford Stage Road
    Russell, MA 01071
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Canty, David Luke
    58 Ridge Way
    Sturbridge, MA 01566
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/15/08

    Craven, Gary A.
    20 Rochford Circle
    Springfield, MA 01128
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Cruz, Ruben
    Cruz, Lillian
    5 Pinelawn Road
    Longmeadow, MA 01106
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/02/08

    Cusson, Albert R.
    Cusson, Mona T.
    3 Nelligan Dr.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/12/08

    Desy, Steve B.
    Desy, Susan E.
    33 St. George St.
    Brimfield, MA 01010
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Devine, Glenn Alan
    Devine, Linda Marie
    784 Pendleton Ave.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Devlin, Gail K.
    P. O. Box 385
    Westfield, MA 01086
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Dugan-Murphy, Jennifer L.
    145 Sumner Ave., Apt. 1
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/15/08

    Dunn, Raymond J.
    P.O. Box 273
    Sheffield, MA 01257
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Edwards, Lloyd N.
    56 Alsace St.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Egbert, Theresa-Jo
    160 Forest Hills Road
    Springfield, MA 01128
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/05/08

    Eldridge, Heather A.
    465 Main St.
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Farrin, Irene L.
    1324 Massachusetts Ave.
    North Adams, MA 01247
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/15/08

    Flores, Moises
    30 Armory St.
    Springfield, MA 01105
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/08/08

    Gervickas, Shawn M.
    16 Dallaire Ave.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/08/08

    Gilmore, Kathleen E.
    16 Worthy Ave.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Godfrey, Paula B.
    71 Nutmeg Lane
    Williamstown, MA 01267
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/03/08

    Gonzalez, Erasmito
    Gonzalez, Alba Rosalia
    399 Eastern Ave.
    Springfield, MA 01109
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/05/08

    Gosselin, Robert L.
    PO Box 5038
    Holyoke, MA 01040
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/12/08

    Goulette, Kimberly A.
    33 Bluemer Road
    Southampton, MA 01073
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Grady, Robert W.
    205 Silver Lake St.
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

     

    		  

    Grandview Farms Inc.
    45 Grandview St.
    Chicopee, MA 01013
    Chapter: 12
    Filing Date: 09/02/08

    Grant, Dolores M.
    380 Riverglade Dr., Apt. #G
    Amherst, MA 01002
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/03/08

    Guyer, Michael Robert
    Guyer, Christina Maria
    27 Woodhill Road
    Monson, MA 01057
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Hadley, David M.
    65 South Maple St.
    Westfield, MA 01085
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/09/08

    Hicks-Grady, Nicole L.
    205 Silver Lake St.
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Krupa, Rita C.
    99 Yorktown Dr.
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/13/08

    Lemieux, Coreen A.
    c/o Law Offices
    1350 Main St., 15th F
    Springfield, MA 01103
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    Loffredo, James L.
    Loffredo, Sonya M.
    244 Glendale Road
    Hampden, MA 01036
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Madigan, Mary Lou
    633 Federal St.
    Belchertown, MA 01007
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/09/08

    Mathers, Sean W.
    Packard-Mathers, Amber M.
    12 Laurie Ave.
    South Hadley, MA 01075
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    McCarthy, Nancy C.
    29 Canal St.
    Ware, MA 01082
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/09/08

    McGrath, William M.
    52 Longview Dr.
    Florence, MA 01062
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/09/08

    McNamara, Thomas J.
    124 North Blvd.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Moretz, Mark
    Moretz, Renee
    68 Sessions Dr.
    Hampden, MA 01036
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/03/08

    Nereida, Lopez
    1022 Carew St.
    Springfield, MA 01104
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/09/08

    Nimchick, Susan J.
    362 James St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Olson, Mark A.
    Olson, Doreen A.
    524 S. Main St.
    Orange, MA 01364
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/02/08

    O’Neill, Christine A.
    O’Neill, Patrick J.
    39 Theodore St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/15/08

    Page Construction
    Page, Leroy F.
    Page, Theresa A.
    104 West Oxbow Road
    Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Palmer, Harold D.
    30 Myron St., Apt. 34
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Pleva, Raymond Frances
    201 Southwick St.
    Feeding Hills, MA 01030
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Smith, Eugene David
    15 Kaveney St.
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/11/08

    Stec, Karl L.
    155 Nutmeg Circle
    Chicopee, MA 01020
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/03/08

    Stevenson, Roger K.
    P. O. Box 216
    Chicopee, MA 01021
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 08/31/08

    Szczawinski, Zygmont J.
    Szczawinski, Marguerite A.
    59 Morningside Park
    Springfield, MA 01108
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/10/08

    Teddy Bear Daycare
    Burgess, Amy M.
    1 Droy Circle
    Easthampton, MA 01027
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/08/08

    Tedford, Chad E.
    114 Thrower Road
    Athol, MA 01331
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/02/08

    Torres, Dalma M.
    30 Davenport St.
    Springfield, MA 01119
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/02/08

    Walker, Delicia M.
    66 Irving St.
    West Springfield, MA 01089
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/03/08

    Williams, Gary W.
    50 Ashfield St.
    Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
    Chapter: 7
    Filing Date: 09/12/08

    Woodard, Daniel P.
    214 Winchester Road
    Northfield, MA 01360
    Chapter: 13
    Filing Date: 09/04/08

    By
    Departments

    The following building permits were issued during the month of October 2008.

    AGAWAM

    Edward O’Leary
    200 Silver St.
    $80,000 — Interior walls for office space

    Elizabeth Manor Apartments
    238 Maple St.
    $30,000 — Strip and re-roof

    MICE, LLC
    850 Springfield St.
    $18,500 — Strip and re-roof dental office

    CHICOPEE

    Padgette Street LLC
    150 Padgette St.
    $1,687,000 — Construction of a weather-tight shell building

    Padgette Street LLC
    140 Padgette St.
    $2,062,000 — Construction of a weather-tight shell building

    Sunshine Village
    75 Litwin Lane
    $16,000 — Strip and re-roof

    EASTHAMPTON

    Eastern Hampshire Development
    238 Northampton St.
    $3,980,000 — New 34,187-square-foot two-story medical office building

    Eastworks LLP
    116 Pleasant St.
    $8,500 — Install new section of fire escape

    Williston Northampton School
    19 Payson Ave.
    $2,900 — Alteration of office spaces

    EAST LONGMEADOW

    Bernard & Stephanie Reid
    489 North Main St.
    $190,000 — Rework existing Elite Image

    Korean Massage
    611 North Main St.
    $12,000 — Privacy partitions

    GREENFIELD

    AR Sandri Inc.
    400 Chapman St.
    $110,000 — Roof repair

    Franklin Medical Center
    164 High St.
    $44,800 — Expansion of sleep studies area

    Leo P. LaChance CEO
    487-489 Bernardston Rd.
    $99,000 — Tenant fit-up for dental office

    SS Baker Realty Co. LLC
    378 Federal St.
    $200,000 — Interior remodel and new drive-thru

    Town Of Greenfield
    125 Federal St.
    $64,000 — Roof repair

    HADLEY

    Amherst Development Association
    329 Russell St.
    $50,000 — Install three panel antennae

    Pearson Hadley LLC
    380 Russell St.
    $355,000 — Interior buildout of tenant space

    Whole Foods Market
    327 Russell St.
    $300,000 — Interior build-out

    		  

    HOLYOKE

    Holyoke Property Corp.
    49-51 Garfield St.
    $17,400 — Install steel stud walls and ceiling

    Open Square Properties LLC
    110 Lyman St.
    $128,500 — Construct new offices and common bathrooms

    LUDLOW

    Austin Auto Body
    162 Booth St.
    $16,000 — New roof

    NORTHAMPTON

    Atwood Drive LLC
    23 Atwood Dr.
    $6,000 – Replace portion of roof

    Figaro Realty Co. LLC
    122 Main St.
    $16,000 — Interior renovations

    Figaro Realty Co. LLC
    122 Main St.
    $20,000 — Install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

    Mark Hatch
    267 Locust St.
    $3,000 — Install replacement windows

    Northampton Terminal Associate
    One Roundhouse Plaza
    $3,200 — Cosmetic changes to third floor

    Phillip Greco
    316 King St.
    $4,900 — Repair block wall and install replacement door

    PowerTenInTwo LLC
    21 Conz St.
    $26,000 — Replace roof

    Thorne’s Marketplace, LLC
    150 Main St.
    $29,600 – Construct second-floor store buildout

    Thorne’s Marketplace, LLC
    150 Main St.
    $5,000 — First-floor renovation

    SOUTH HADLEY

    Mt. Holyoke Masonic
    15 N. Main St.
    $25,000 — Install new windows

    SPRINGFIELD

    Baystate Health
    759 Main St.
    $103,000 — Floor re-enforcement for MRI

    Derf Realty
    170 Carando Dr.
    $82,000 — Renovation for new tenant

    MassMutual
    1500 Main St.
    $91,000 — Renovate 2,600 square feet in Suite 2020

    WESTFIELD

    Equity Westfield
    11 Southampton Road
    $18,000 — Access buildings

    Lucier Development
    139 Union St.
    $450,000 — New apartment units

    Tarig Mahmood
    54 Union St.
    $60,000 — Renovation

    By
    Departments

    Dinner Lecture

    Oct. 14: Author Joel Barker will present “You Can and Should Shape Your Own Future, Because If You Don’t, Someone Else Surely Will” from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The dinner forum is hosted by the UMass Amherst Family Business Center. Barker will explain how to create ‘extreme’ partnerships to transform your company and product; how your senior leaders can continuously explore trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts; and how to better anticipate and deal with the effects of change. In addition to Barker’s presentation, an educational talk on how to be a savvier user of expert advisors will be presented by the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP. For more information, call Ira Bryck at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

    WNEC Seminar

    Oct. 15: Western New England College in Springfield will host “Planning for Retirement Benefits: A Morning with Natalie Choate” from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Rivers Memorial Hall. The seminar is aimed at legal, accounting, and financial services professionals, exploring developments and trends in retirement benefits, trusts, and estate planning. Choate is a Boston-based estate-planning lawyer and the author of Life and Death Planning for Retirement Benefits and The QPRT Manual. The program qualifies for three CLE and CPE credits and costs $75. For more information or to register, call (413) 796-2260 or (800) 325-1122, ext. 2260.

    Managing Business in a Down Economy

    Oct. 16: A workshop for business owners titled “Managing Your Business in a Down Economy” will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. The workshop, presented by a panel of experts from various business segments, is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

    Entrepreneurship Conference

    Oct. 17: “Entrepreneurship in a Global Economy” will be presented by the Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship of Western New England College, Springfield, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the S. Prestley Blake Law Center, Room D. The cost is $50 per person. The discussion topics will include “Environmentalism & Entrepreneurship,” “Globalization & Entrepreneurship,” “Finance & Entrepreneurship,” and “Politics and Entrepreneurship.” Dean Cycon, owner of Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, will be the luncheon keynote speaker. Cycon is a leader of the American fair trade coffee movement. For more information or to register, contact Aimee Griffin Munnings at (413) 796-2030 or via E-mail to [email protected].

    Women’s Movement Discussion

    Oct. 23: L. Kay Wilson, attorney, coach, and motivational speaker, will moderate a discussion titled “Women, Power & Influence: Do We Still Need a Women’s Movement?” at 2 p.m. in Mills Theatre, Carr Hall, Bay Path College, Longmeadow. The program is part of the Kaleidoscope series at Bay Path. Panel members will discuss the roots of the women’s movement, the perspective of young women today, and next steps for expanding the influence of women in our communities, companies, and government. Panelists are: Dr. Regina Barreca, professor of English at UConn, best-selling author, and nationally recognized feminist comedienne; Dr. Carol Leary, president, Bay Path College; Laurie Rosner, senior vice president, Rockville Bank of Connecticut; and Ann Young-Jaffe, program manager, Aetna’s consumer segment. The program is free to the public.

    Meet the Authors

    Oct. 23: The Women’s Partnership, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc., will host its annual scholarship fund-raising event, Meet the Authors, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Elms College campus in Chicopee. Tickets are $10. Authors will include Joseph J. Ellis, Corinne Demas, Suzanne Strempek-Shea, and Lesléa Newman. Jane Dyer, an illustrator of numerous books for children, will also be on hand to sign books. For more information, contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Women’s Partnership Scholarship Fund.

    Super 60 Award Luncheon

    Oct. 24: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. will fete its winners of the annual Super 60 Award in the categories of revenue growth and total revenue beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. William Rand Kenan Jr., professor and director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, will deliver the keynote address. For more information, call (413) 755-1316 or visit www.myonlinechamber.com.

    Creating Business Plans

    Oct. 30: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present “Your First Business Plan” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 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 to attend the workshop is $35. For more information on the event, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

    Building Entrepreneurs

    Nov. 7: Titled “Empowering a New Generation of Entrepreneurs,” the fourth annual Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Entrepreneur Conference for college students in the Pioneer Valley will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MassMutual Convention Center in Springfield. Coordinated by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, the event will feature an entrepreneurship and resource exhibit and interactive breakout sessions on the following topics: “Chronicles of a New Entrepreneur: the Early Days,” “The Art of the Pitch,” “Start, Grow, Succeed … with the Help of the SBA,” “The Next Big Idea,” and “Invention to Venture: the Making of a Technology Company.” The conference fee is $150, and scholarships are available. To register or for more information, contact Brenda Wishart at (413) 454-3109, or by E-mail at [email protected].

    City of Bright Nights Ball

    Nov. 15: A Japanese garden setting — complete with tea house — will set the mood for the 2008 City of Bright Nights Ball in the Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Springfield-Monarch Place. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner with the flavors of Japan, dancing, and the chance to win and purchase a variety of gift items. Tickets are $500 per couple, and tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, visit www.spiritofspringfield.org or call (413) 733-3800.

    By
    Departments

    The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2008.

    AGAWAM

    Hillside Development Corp.
    959-967 Springfield St.
    $200,000 — Renovation of existing building

    Litron, Inc.
    207 Bowles Rd.
    $70,000 — Install steel support beams to relocate HVAC unit on roof

    CHICOPEE

    Adams & Ruxton Construction Co.
    124 Cabot St.
    $41,500 — Make improvements to teller stations

    JK Harbey LLC
    55 West St.
    $25,000 — Renovate kitchen

    JK Harbey LLC
    59 West St.
    $50,000 — Renovate kitchen

    EASTHAMPTON

    George R. Dion
    141 Northampton St.
    $19,300 — New roof

    John Moriarty
    77-87 Main St.
    $39,000 — Construct new means of egress in rear of building

    Mai Stoddard
    24-26 Northampton St.
    $21,000 — Replace roof covering

    EAST LONGMEADOW

    BCHP Partners LLC
    98 Shaker Road
    $20,000 — Interior renovation

    First Baptist Church
    50 Parker St.
    $2,973,000 — Construction of new fellowship building

    GREENFIELD

    Bete Inc.
    50 Greenfield St.
    $47,000 — Erect a 42x14x45 storage building

    Dimitriou Panagiotis
    256 Federal St.
    $10,000 — Renovate interior of existing structure

    Erin Miner
    469 Bernardston Road
    $2,000 — Remove a non-bearing wall

    Mary Calagione
    285 High St.
    $4,000 — Office renovations

    Town of Greenfield
    Nashs Mill Road
    $5,000 — Rebuild new first aid room

    HADLEY

    Pyramid Mall of Hadley, LLC
    367 Russell St.
    $36,500 — Renovation of two mall restrooms

    Steve Lewis
    184 Russell St.
    $11,000 — Re-roof

    Whole Foods Market
    327 Russell St.
    $20,000 — Install new customer service booth and new express checkouts

    HOLYOKE

    O’C Ingleside LLC
    361 Whitney Ave.
    $200,000 — Build expansion to the Baystate Health Data Center

    		  

    Windship Enterprises Inc.
    366-372 High St.
    $7,000 — Reline chimney with UL listed stainless steel

    LUDLOW

    Aubie Precision Tool
    54 Moody St.
    $20,000 — New roof

    NORTHAMPTON

    Alan Berkenwald
    38 Mulberry St.
    $5,000 — Construct roof over building walkway

    Coolidge Northampton LLC
    241 King St.
    $6,100 — Create a handicap bathroom

    Gerald & Sandra LaFrance
    29 North Maple St.
    $10,000 — Strip and shingle roof

    LHIC INC
    34 North Maple St.
    $5,000 — Buildout for woodworking shop

    Paul A. Sereo
    63 Center St.
    $19,500 — Remodel unit #1

    Pride Convenience Inc.
    17 Damon Road
    $3,500 — Remove and repair concrete floor

    Robert S. Berniche
    5 Audubon Road
    $2,000 — Construct second-floor means of egress

    Smith College
    17 Prospect St.
    $8,700 — Repair exterior ramp and railings

    WAM LLC
    115 Industrial Dr.
    $672,000 — Construct 16,969-square-foot addition and renovation

    SPRINGFIELD

    3640 Main Street LLP
    3640 Main St.
    $124,000 — New build-out of phlebotomy space

    Garden Park Management Company
    15 Temple St.
    $14,000 — Repair fire damage

    Picknelly Family Partners
    1414 Main St.
    $86,000 — Build-out for Sinclair Insurance

    Sanjo LLC
    150 Taylor St.
    $12,000 — roof renovation

    WESTFIELD

    AeroServistar LLC
    76 Service Star Industrial Way
    $1,550,000 — New distribution center

    Pasquale Cardento
    278-288 Elm St.
    $17,000 — Addition

    Sullivan West Property Group LLC
    39 South Broad St.
    $5,000 — Commercial renovation

    By
    Departments

    HNE Achieves High Rating on Customer Service

    SPRINGFIELD — Health New England (HNE) recently achieved the highest rating in customer service among 160 commercial HMO/POS health plans surveyed in the U.S., according to a report released by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). In the Quality Compass 2008 report, HNE achieved the highest ratings in the country in the ‘customer service’ composite measure. HNE scored 93.46, acknowledging that 93.46% of the respondents answered ‘always’ or ‘usually’ to questions including, “in the past 12 months, how often did your health plan’s customer service give you the information or help you needed?” HNE is a managed-care organization with a service area covering Franklin, Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and parts of Worcester counties. NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality, and publicly reports comparative results of health plans regionally and nationally in its annual Quality Compass report.

    United Bank Opens Express Branch in Northampton

    NORTHAMPTON — United Financial Bancorp Inc., the holding company for United Bank, has opened its Express Branch, its second Northampton location and the 16th banking office in the network. Located near Interstate 91, the Express Branch offers both walk-in and drive-up banking with a drive-up ATM, drive-up teller window, and a night depository, as well as lobby teller service for account opening and routine banking transactions. The downtown office opened in June 2006.

    Aucella & Associates Wins National Award

    WESTFIELD — Aucella & Associates has won an American Graphic Design Award for its 2008 Pilgrim Candle catalog from Graphic Design USA. The catalog was recognized for meeting a difficult design challenge, according to Phil Aucella, president. Aucella noted that he found a “visually interesting way” to differentiate Pilgrim from its competition. Overall design elements encourage the reader to learn more about the products while featuring each item in a manner that highlights the entire line, he added. For more information on the catalog, visit www.aucellainc.com.

    Renz Marks 30 Years in Region

    AGAWAM — On the heels of Renz’s 100th anniversary in Germany, Renz America celebrated its 30th anniversary locally on Sept. 26 with a tour of its facility in the Industrial Park. Company President Peter Renz opened the 48,000-square-foot facility for tours to local dignitaries, customers, and vendors. Renz America, which employs 27 in town and more than 200 worldwide, manufactures punching and binding equipment for Ring-Wire wire-comb binding, plastic-spiral or ‘coil’ binding, and plastic-comb binding. The company also produces Ring-Wire and plastic-spiral-binding supplies. Additionally, covers are made in a variety of styles, materials, and textures. For more information on the company, visit www.renz.com.

    BMC’s Cardiac Care Work Recognized

    SPRINGFIELD — Masspro has recognized Baystate Medical Center for leadership in the areas of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care. Masspro monitors and promotes health care quality in Massachusetts on behalf of the federal government. The award acknowledges Baystate’s work as part of a federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services project to set benchmarks for high-quality health care in hospitals. In participating in the project and sharing best practices, Baystate has helped establish applicable standards for excellence in patient safety and the overall quality of care in the state and around the country. Baystate was also cited by Masspro for its frequent mentorship of Massachusetts hospitals in caring for heart attacks and heart failure, and for surgical care. Baystate is one of only two hospitals in the state to be recognized in that area.

    Cartelli Named President of Fathers & Sons

    WEST SPRINGFIELD — Damon S. Cartelli, son of former Fathers & Sons Inc. president and founder Robert T. Cartelli, assumed full ownership of the dealership last month. Since 1974, Fathers & Sons has grown into a multi-franchise dealership representing six car manufacturers at three locations in town — Porsche, Audi, Volvo, and Saab at Fathers & Sons Collection, 989 Memorial Ave.; Volkswagen at Fathers & Sons Volkswagen, 434 Memorial Ave.; and Kia at Kia of West Springfield, 468 Memorial Ave. Cartelli began working for his father when he was 14, performing a variety of duties ranging from managing the lot to washing cars and working in the service department. After graduating from Boston College in 1994, he joined his father selling cars and honing his skills to be the successor in the family business. He received a diploma from the National Automobile Dealers Assoc. (NADA) Dealer Candidate Academy in 1998, and was named general manager in 2001, overseeing 120 employees. Cartelli is a member of several business and trade organizations including NADA.

    Big Y Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

    SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Supermarkets are raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in October by donating proceeds from its produce department as well as select products to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Last year, the chain raised more than $85,000 and hopes to top that amount with this fall’s campaign. The program is called “Partners of Hope” to reflect the partnership, commitment, and support of breast-cancer awareness and research. In addition to partnering with many manufacturers to procure pink-labeled products with funding toward breast-cancer research and awareness, Big Y will be selling pink T-shirts, pink-frosted cupcakes, pink travel mugs, water bottles, and more. Pink paper ribbons will also be available for a $1 donation and will be posted in each supermarket. For information on additional programs, visit www.bigy.com.

    River Valley Market Celebrates in Style

    NORTHAMPTON — More than 10 years of effort to build a green grocery in the Valley was marked by a grand opening party on Oct. 1 which was attended by more than 750 member-owners and staff of the River Valley Market on North King Street. The community-based market specializes in fresh, local, and organically grown foods with an emphasis on supporting regional farmers in their quest to care for the land and supply foods that the community can trust. Throughout October, there will be a host of free activities, cooking tests, specials, door prizes, and food demonstrations to celebrate the grand opening. River Valley Market is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For events and specials, visit www.rivervalleymarket.com.

    Coldwell Banker Employees Donate $25,000

    SPRINGFIELD — Through the efforts of sales associates and employees of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices, the fund-raising arm of the firm recently donated $25,000 to benefit the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The funds raised will enable the organization to complete the 171 Cabot St. project this fall. Offices participating in the efforts included those in Belchertown, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, and Westfield. Additionally, employees have been supporting the local Habitat for Humanity through a variety of fund-raising initiatives and volunteering, according to Mary Leahey, regional vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Leahey noted that the foundation of the business is providing homes, so the partnership with Habitat for Humanity “emphasizes our sincere dedication to all families and achieving their homeownership dreams.”

    Cooley Dickinson to Join New Alliance

    NORTHAMPTON — Cooley Dickinson Health Care Corp. recently announced it will join New England Alliance for Health (NEAH), a health care alliance that will be formed to include hospitals in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont on Jan. 1, 2009. This change is coming as the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Alliance (DHA) plans a restructuring that includes dissolving the current DHA on Dec. 31, 2008. Craig Melin, president and CEO of Cooley Dickinson, noted that ,through membership in DHA, the hospital realized savings through the coordination of equipment, supplies, pharmaceuticals, and insurance-coverage purchases. Melin added that the alliance also provided for improved productivity and efficiencies in contract management and information systems. Melin noted that he expects Cooley Dickinson to achieve similar benefits through NEAH.

    SPHS Capital Campaign Gets $400,000 Boost

    SPRINGFIELD — The Sisters of Providence Health System’s capital campaign has received contributions totaling $400,000 from two prominent businesses — Big Y World Class Markets and the MassMutual Financial Group. The Hope and Healing Capital Campaign supports Mercy Medical Center’s construction of the new Mary E. Davis Intensive Care Unit and renovation of the Ambulatory Surgical Center. Big Y World Class Markets contributed $250,000 to the campaign, and MassMutual Financial Group has donated $150,000 to the campaign. Officials from both businesses were recognized at a special reception at Mercy Medical Center on Sept. 16. Additionally, health system employee donors have contributed almost $500,000 to the fund-raising effort over the past two years. The capital campaign is on track to raise $6 million by the end of the year, according to Mercy officials..

    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.

    CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

    Belmont Laundry Inc. v. Prospect Lawn
    Allegation: Breach of contract: $7,043.40
    Filed: 9/10/08

    GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

    Janine Boudreau Health Care Inc. v. Anchorage Nursing Home
    Allegation: Non-payment of billing services rendered: $12,000
    Filed: 9/23/08

    HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

    Darlene Marchand v. Thomas Kaye M.D., Catherine Dutton R.N., Patricia Kress S.T., Judith Stacy R.N., & Valley Neurological Surgery, P.C.
    Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000
    Filed: 8/28/08

    Dr. Vijai B. Pandey v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
    Allegation: Breach of contract: $250,000
    Filed: 9/11/08

    Ludlow Construction Co. Inc. v. City of Marlborough
    Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $31,319.30
    Filed: 8/21/08

    Tom Ferreira v. Stop & Shop Supermarket, LLC
    Allegation: Slip and fall: $38,571.94
    Filed: 9/23/08

    HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

    Darren D. Powell and Paul S. Bargreen v. Russell St. Realty Corp.
    Allegation: Breach of settlement agreement: $200,000
    Filed: 9/15/08

    Matthew & Jennifer Massengil, as parents of Ellinor Massengil v. Joseph E. Lellman M.D., New England Orthopedic Surgeons, and Charles L. Bernstein M.D.
    Allegation: Misdiagnosis of hip dysplasia requiring corrective surgery: $135,000
    Filed: 9/29/08

    NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

    Berkshire Design Group Inc. v. Valley Planning Inc.
    Allegation: Non-payment of professional services rendered: $23,769.36
    Filed: 9/23/08

    Berkshire Design Group Inc. v. Tomlinson Builders
    Allegation: Non-payment of professional services rendered: $12,214.87
    Filed: 9/23/08

    Krisen Day v. Fraternal Order of Eagles of Northampton Inc.
    Allegation: Plaintiff seeks return of real-estate deposit because of title defect: $20,000
    Filed: 9/29/08

    PALMER DISTRICT COURT

    Kathy Lucas v. BNC Countertops Inc.
    Allegation: Breach of contract in counter installation: $4,643.63
    Filed: 8/28/08

    SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

    Arch Aluminum & Glass Company Inc. v. Hampden Structural Systems d/b/a Private Garden, Joseph and Katherine Hickson
    Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,981.15
    Filed: 9/16/08

    Palazzesi Realty v. Pet Resorts International, LLC
    Allegation: Failure to pay rent: $6,600
    Filed: 9/19/08

    By
    Departments

    The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2008.

    AGAWAM

    Mutti’s Sheet Metal
    224 North St.
    Gary Mutti

    Northern Electric
    31 Sylvan Lane
    Craig Little

    Sparveri’s Contracting Services
    16 Federal Ave.
    Sean Sparveri

    AMHERST

    Amherst Babycakes
    15 Blue Hills Road
    Elizabeth Hyers

    Umass Bicycle Racing Club
    1057 North Pleasant St.
    Jeffrey Elio

    CHICOPEE

    D & J’s Handyman
    22 Bullens St.
    Jonathan Q. Lamberty

    Da-Vi Nails
    591 Memorial Ave.
    Trinh-Thu-Pham

    Johnny B’s Auto Works
    P.O. Box 4505
    John F. Boryczka Jr.

    PO’s Chinese Restaurant
    480 Burnett Road
    Wai Po Wong

    Social Strikers
    29 Burnett Road
    Linda C. Fitzgerald

    EASTHAMPTON

    Conserve Through Insulation
    7 Kimberly Lane
    Jason Robare

    Full Tilt Auto Body
    69 Ferry St.
    Carlo S. Vega

    GREENFIELD

    Deerfield Valley Heating & Cooling
    301 Wells St.
    Deerfield Valley Heating & Cooling Inc.

    Memorial Banner
    251 Briar Way
    Betty Guetti

    Mt. View Auto Repair
    109 Mohawk Trail
    Bryce Dupsee

    Paroxysm Design
    366 Davis St.
    Jesse Nichols

    HOLYOKE

    Pralines Ice Cream
    50 Holyoke St.
    Serozan Amroliwalla

    Route 5 Motors
    280 Ingleside St.
    Steven B. Vlohiotis

    Spirit Halloween Superstores, LLC
    50 Holyoke St.
    Timothy C. Viechez

    LONGMEADOW

    BOC Construction & Remodeling
    85 Mill Road
    Barry E. O’Connor

    Family Appliance Service
    51 Barrington Road
    Jonathan F. Hastings

    Legacy Property Investments, LLC
    505 Pinewood Dr.
    John Anderson

    Northeast Food Safety
    31 Brookwood Dr.
    David Steinberg

    NORTHAMPTON

    Bottlenose
    40 Main St.
    William Carr

    Fifty Percent Crunchy
    54 Sherman Ave.
    Sam Craig

    Hampden Hearing Center East
    200 North Main St.
    Susan B. Chunyk

    Okapi Imprint Press
    177 Prospect St.
    Jacob Ditkouski

    Top Vision
    2 Water St.
    Mamadou Ndiaye

    VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Inc.
    168 Industrial Dr.
    Ann C. Careaur

    PALMER

    J Home Improvements
    4 Maple Ter.
    Josef Nicpon

    J.E.M. Services
    58 Quaboag Valley
    Jerry E. Mange Jr.

    Local Building & Remodeling
    4212 Church St.
    Anthony M. Robitaille Sr.

    NRK Books
    1164 Ware Road
    Nancy R. Kerigan

    		  

    SOUTH HADLEY

    Da Athletic Development, LLC
    18 Kimberly Dr.
    David Allen

    Greensolarsystems.com
    303 River Road
    Michael Wallace

    Top Hat Chimney
    26 College View Heights
    Dale Smith

    SOUTHWICK

    Dubl-Jay Farm
    26 College Highway
    Jack Feldman

    Hart Interiors
    304 Granville Road
    Rebecca Hart

    Malin Cannon
    515 College Highway
    Malin Cannon

    SPRINGFIELD

    A & J Enterprises
    25 Armory St.
    Angel M. Navedo

    Banchs Towing
    149 Rocus St.
    Lillian Banchs

    C & R Auto Glass
    50 Leete St.
    Carlos Colon

    Children of Light Learning
    430 Island Pond Road
    Shoshana Malone

    Cross-Spectrum Laboratories
    114 Sunnybrook Road
    Herbert Singleton Jr.

    Essentials Clothing
    357 Cottage St.
    James A. Mabry

    Exodus Entertainment, LLC
    15 Starling Road
    Maurice Rowtham

    Fab & Fash Boutique
    121 Glenmore St.
    Reagan Ali

    Finishing Touch Painting
    39 Sierra Vista Road
    Joseph Caracciolo Jr.

    From the Ground Up Entertainment
    1655 Main St.
    Ty Jermaine Ingarm

    HL Cleaning Services
    536 Union St.
    Herth L. South

    Ill Skillz Entertainment
    744 Bradley Road
    Desmond O. Walters

    J.T. Home Improvement
    109 West Alvord St.
    John Thornton

    Joakin Auto Glass & Towing
    24 Park St.
    Joaquin Rodriguez

    Khoury Photography
    34 Front St.
    Joe Khoury

    Linda & Alax General Services
    318 Eastern Ave.
    Linda June

    Moe’s Lawns
    11 Highland St.
    Anthony Stewart

    WESTFIELD

    B & D’s Collectible & Sports
    79 Main St.
    David Herrick

    CFB’s Farrier Service
    189 Honey Pot Road
    Cary F. Bedor

    I Wireless
    82 Main St.
    Thanh Ngoc Tong

    Q & T’s Dependable Cleaning
    780 Montgomery Road
    Tia Boisseau

    WEST SPRINGFIELD

    Aaron Associates
    38 Clyde Ave.
    Richard Galarneau

    Chavez Construction
    43 Roanoke Ave.
    Andres Chavez

    Cooper Works Services
    93 Charles St.
    Ricky R. Cooper

    Manny’s Wireless
    1380 Elm St.
    JMC Wireless LLC

    Michael’s Tree Service Inc.
    720 Memorial Ave.
    Michael Christoblous

    Platinum All-Stars
    47 Nonotuck Road
    Amy Ruelle

    RC & Associates
    2003 Riverdale St.
    Casey Roncalli

    Sullivan Services LLC
    351 Morgan St.
    John Sullivan

    By
    Departments

    Breakfast of Champions

    State legislators and early-education advocates joined with Mass. Department of Early Education Acting Commissioner Amy Kershaw in celebrating the state’s recent passage of ‘An Act Relative to Early Care and Education’ on Sept. 26 at the Springfield YMCA. Pictured with local preschoolers is leading early-education advocate Margaret Blood, founder and president of Strategies for Children Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Boston. Breakfast cereal boxes featuring legislators who supported the early-education law — Champions for Early Childhood — were distributed at the event. Other participants included representatives of Cherish Every Child, the Pioneer Valley Plan for Progress Pre-K and Early Education Strategy Team, and the Western Mass. early-childhood community. A representative of Gov. Deval Patrick’s office also attended. The new law formally establishes the universal pre-K program in the Commonwealth and supports strategies encouraging the early-education workforce to further their education. The act will also overhaul regulations of early-education programs and sites setting health, safety, and quality standards. Cherish Every Child is an initiative of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation and is working to realize the goal for every child entering kindergarten to be ready for school, healthy, and fully prepared for learning success.

    Capitol Ideas

    Last month, 45 area business owners and managers, elected officials and economic-development leaders attended a three-day symposium in Washington, D.C. coordinated by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield and hosted by U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal. Attendees heard from several speakers, including U.S. Rep. Barney Frank; Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi; Charles Rangel, chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee; and nationally known columnist and commentator Mark Shields.

    A Big Check, on the House

    Through the efforts of sales associates and employees of the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage offices in Belchertown, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, and Westfield, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares, the fundraising arm of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, donated $25,000 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. The funds enabled the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity to complete the 171 Cabot St. project. Additionally, the brokerage offices have been supporting the Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity through a variety of fundraising initiatives and volunteering. Last year, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares donated nearly $67,000 to the organization.

    Celebrating Entrepreneurship

    Springfield Technical Community College staged its 9th annual Western Mass. Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame induction banquet on Oct. 2 at the Log Cabin, and announced the launch of the Web site www.eshiphall.org. The event celebrated entrepreneurship in many ways, from videos about the inductees to presentation of the Hall of Fame’s County Achievement Awards, to BusinessWest’s formal presentation of its Top Entrepreneur Award. Above, members of the Class of 2008 pose with the Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame awards: from left, Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health; Esther and Art Jacobson of OMG Inc.; the Samble family of Belmont Laundry; the Sherff family of the Student Prince Restaurant; and the Young family of W.F. Young Co. Below left, BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien, left, presents the BusinessWest Top Entrepreneur Award to John Maybury, president of Maybury Material Handling Company. Below right, County Achievement Award recipients, from left, are William Kristensen Sr. of Hi-Tech Mold and Tool (Berkshire County), Martha Borawski of Pioneer Valley Travel (Hampshire County), Dean Cycon of Dean’s Beans (Franklin County), and Steven Richter of Microtest Labs (Hampden County).

    Union Station: It Still Doesn’t Make Sense

    By
    Opinion

    They’re calling it ‘Union Station II.’

    That’s the name some officials and observers have attached to the latest plan to revitalize the long-idle train station in Springfield. The ‘II’ fits if one considers this to be the sequel to a plan that was conceived more than a decade ago — one that never really got off the ground, for many good reasons — but the reality is that this is more like Union Station IV, V, or VI.

    That’s how many proposals, formal and informal, have been forwarded for this white elephant since the mid-’70s, and none of them have gotten off the ground.

    And speaking of reality, that’s what Union Station II (OK, we’ll call it that) is supposedly grounded in. At least it’s more realistic that Union Station I, say those involved with piecing this together. But that’s not saying much.

    Indeed, the plan first conceived in the mid-’90s and then formalized at the start of this decade included an intermodal transportation center, but also grandiose plans for everything from a high-end restaurant to an IMAX movie theater to Class A office spaces that would offer lease rates about half again what was being charged in the downtown office towers. Springfield was going to recreate what happened with Washington’s Union Station and Boston’s North Station, both huge success stories.

    But there was no real market for any of this, and the plan was ultimately scrapped while the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority sorted out a huge internal mess that ultimately led to the firing of its director.

    Now, we have Union Station II, new, improved, scaled down, more realistic — all of that. But this plan still doesn’t make a great deal of sense for Springfield and still seems like a desperate attempt to salvage a building that no one under the age of 60 can probably remember well or with any fondness.

    Apparently, the main reason it is being redeveloped is because the city has secured tens of millions in federal funding to do so. This money can’t be applied somewhere else, and if we don’t use it, we lose it, as the saying goes. But that’s not enough reason to go ahead with this project, as we see it.

    There are plans — again, formal and informal — to move organizations ranging from the PVTA to the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) to Square One into Union Station, thus filling a large chunk of the available office space there. Meanwhile, an intermodal transit center would be created to handle Amtrak service as well as inter- and intra-city bus services. A large parking garage is also in the mix.

    It’s not a bad plan overall, but one has to ask whether it’s needed or even wanted.

    There are probably dozens of privately and publicly owned office buildings in downtown Springfield alone that could easily meet the needs of the PVPC (currently located in West Springfield Town Hall), PVTA (administration-wise, anyway), and Square One, and would love the opportunity to do so. The federal building is vacant, Tower Square’s lower level is a ghost town, One Financial Plaza has more than 100,000 square feet of dark space … the list goes on. Meanwhile, the PVTA already has administrative offices, and there is a functioning intermodal transportation center (Peter Pan’s facilities) on the other side of Main Street.

    Economic development does not mean picking up existing businesses and organizations and moving them a few blocks or a few miles — thus creating vacancies in a host of other buildings. Rather, it means attracting new businesses and new jobs. Aside from construction jobs, this Union Station plan doesn’t accomplish that.

    As we said, Union Station II is more plausible, more realistic than Union Station I. But from our view, it still amounts to little more than an effort to force the issue — in this case restoration of a landmark that most have forgotten and that some simply don’t want to forget.

    Union Station is an intriguing link to Springfield’s past. There is history and a touch of romance there. But bringing the old train station back to life has to be about more than nostalgia and spending federal dollars that no one wants to give back.

    It all has to make sense. And Union Station II, or whatever number we’re up to, is still lacking in that department.-

    OPINION

    By
    Opinion
    Question 1 Is Reckless and Irresponsible

    Question 1 on the Nov. 4 ballot, if passed, would eliminate the Massachusetts personal income tax.

    The Economic Development Council of Western Mass. opposes Question 1 because it is bad for business — and education, infrastructure, public safety, and our overall quality of life.

    The initiative’s proponents are hoping to sway voters by stating that, on average, taxpayers will annually retain $3,600 each. But it is what they are not saying that is of greater concern to the EDC and its affiliate economic development entities. Here are some facts that support the EDC’s opposition:

    • Throughout the last fiscal year, the state collected a total of $21 billion from all sources of revenue;
    • The portion of the $21 billion that comes from the personal income tax is slightly over $12 billion, totaling 57% of that amount; and
    • The state’s entire budget is approximately $32 billion, including federal funds. Therefore, the decrease to the entire budget will be 38%.

      • Proponents are not saying how the state will continue to provide vital services in the wake of such a dramatic revenue loss. A state budget reduction of 40%, if done across the board, would dramatically impact the services that we see every day: the education of our children, safety of our streets, fire protection, safe roads and bridges, and more.

      The EDC strives to foster the economic development of this region by assisting the region’s current businesses, while also encouraging new businesses to locate in the Pioneer Valley, bringing new jobs and opportunities.

      We have long known that the region’s roads and bridges are aging, worsened by overdue repairs. We realize that, as some workers lose their jobs, they must be retrained with new skills for new jobs. Western Mass. already has workers waiting for placement into job-training programs, waiting because of the lack of adequate funds.

      The EDC has also always recognized the value of our public colleges and universities. These institutions prepare our young people, the region’s future workforce that our businesses are relying on to sustain their growth. Many of those students are dependent on the state’s financial-assistance programs — which would be financially devastated by a 38% cut in state revenue.

      The EDC is also proud to work closely with all nine mayors of the Pioneer Valley. Businesses do not locate to the ‘state of Massachusetts,’ but rather to a very specific location, where our cities and towns provide basic services, including police and fire protection, to ensure a safe community in which those companies’ employees can work and raise a family.

      With that in mind, the EDC has consistently maintained that cities and towns require more state financial aid, especially over the past few years, as cities and towns have become more reliant on the local property-tax stream.

      After assessing these needs and conducting a very careful analysis of the state’s current financial situation, the EDC believes that a 40% reduction in state revenues would be extremely detrimental to all economic efforts and would greatly impact our quality of life.

      Overall, the EDC believes that expressing frustration with the government by supporting initiatives such as Question 1 is the wrong approach.

      Question 1, if passed, will do nothing to sustain a safe and sound Pioneer Valley for our residents and businesses. The cost of replacing the services that will have to be cut will far outweigh the savings estimated to be achieved by eliminating the income tax.

      For all those reasons, the EDC has taken a strong position opposing Question 1 — and encourages others to do so as well.-

      Allan Blair is president of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass.

      By
      Departments

      Green Buildings Open House

      October 4: The Northeast Sustainable Energy Assoc. (NESEA) invites the public to visit local sustainable buildings across the state and to talk with energy-saving experts during the 2008 Green Buildings Open House. NESEA’s open house, part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour, offers area residents a first-hand look at how to incorporate green elements to help reduce heating costs, increase energy conservation, and generate surplus clean energy. A complete list of open-house sites and events is available at www.nesea.org/buildings/openhouse. NESEA also recommends that individuals visit www.dsireusa.org for information on tax credits, grants, rebates and discount utility rates, and www.energystar.gov for federal tax-credit information on qualified appliances and products.

      Business Owners Initiative

      Oct. 9: “Seven Things CEOs of Breakthrough Companies Know That You Don’t” will be presented from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in West Springfield, sponsored by the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield and Hampden Bank. During the session, attendees will be introduced to the Breakthrough Executive Board, which is comprised of local business owners who have joined together to promote the growth and management of their companies. Prior registration for the program is required due to limited seating. For more information, call (413) 583-3653 or E-mail [email protected].

      Dinner Lecture

      Oct. 14: Author Joel Barker will present “You Can and Should Shape Your Own Future, Because If You Don’t, Someone Else Surely Will” from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The dinner forum is hosted by the UMass Amherst Family Business Center. Barker will explain how to create extreme partnerships to transform your company and product; how your senior leaders can continuously explore trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts; and how to better anticipate and deal with the effects of change. In addition to Barker’s presentation, an educational talk on how to be a savvier user of expert advisors will be presented by the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP. For more information, call Ira Bryck, director of the Family Business Center, at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

      Women’s Movement Discussion

      Oct. 23: L. Kay Wilson, attorney, coach, and motivational speaker, will moderate a discussion titled “Women, Power & Influence: Do We Still Need a Women’s Movement?” at 2 p.m. in Mills Theatre, Carr Hall, Bay Path College, Longmeadow. The program is part of the Kaleidoscope series at Bay Path. Panel members will discuss the roots of the women’s movement, the perspective of young women today, and next steps for expanding the influence of women in communities, companies, and government. Panelists are: Dr. Regina R. Barreca, professor of English at UConn, bestselling author, and nationally recognized feminist comedienne; Dr. Carol Leary, president, Bay Path College; Laurie Rosner, senior vice president, Rockville Bank of Connecticut; and Ann Young-Jaffe, program manager, Aetna’s consumer segment. The program is free and open to the public.

      By
      Departments

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

      Arroyo, April Lynnette
      54 Berbay Circle
      Springfield, MA 01109
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Arventos, Anthony E.
      321 Wilbraham St.
      Palmer, MA 01069
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      Avery, Jill M.
      P O Box 821
      Greenfield, MA 01302
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/02/08

      Barzousky, Kristine M.
      155 Draper Ave.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Bilodeau & Son Roofing
      Bilodeau, Normand L.
      Bilodeau, Rose M.
      29 Fisherdick Road
      Ware, MA 01082
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Bird, Bill E.
      Bird, Cynthia H.
      68 Valley St.
      Adams, MA 01220
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/29/08

      Blake, Madelyn Louise
      Blake, Nigel Alan
      Blake, Lyn L
      1 Miller St.
      Ludlow, MA 01056
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Canning, Jessica L.
      a/k/a Truehart, Jessica L.
      a/k/a Ivehart, Jessica L.
      175 Lake St.
      Athol, MA 01331
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/29/08

      Carey, Jaclyn M.
      105 South Royalston Road
      Athol, MA 01331
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Carey, Wayne C.
      105 South Royalston Road
      Athol, MA 01331
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Carriveau, Richard A.
      Carriveau, Debra A.
      25 Madison St.
      Chicopee, MA 01020
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Cityline Nails
      Nguyen, Maihuong Thi
      a/k/a Nguyen, Mai Huong
      10 Crystal Ave.
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Davis, Mary B .
      a/k/a Kelley, Mary B.
      21 Audley Road
      Springfield, MA 01118
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Diaz, Jose L.
      31 Hisgen Ave.
      Easthampton, MA 01027
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      Dubreuil, Todd Leon
      Dubreuil, Julie Colleen
      a/k/a Wheeler, Julie C.
      P.O. Box 473
      Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Flores, Hector
      8 Derby Dingle St.
      Springfield, MA 01107
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      Foley, Erin Ann
      33 Parkin St.
      Springfield, MA 01104
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/28/08

      French, Colleen P.
      52 Janet St.
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      French, Donald M.
      52 Janet St.
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Gray, Stephen P.
      86 Bowdoin St.
      Springfield, MA 01109
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/28/08

      Grimes, Johnnie Lee
      168 Marion St.
      Springfield, MA 01109
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/28/08

      Holmes, Valerie Janet
      35 Amherst St.
      Springfield, MA 01109
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Johnson, Jeremy Lawrence
      Johnson, Heather Marie
      a/k/a Bowers, Heather
      164 Bay Road
      Hadley, MA 01035
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      Johnson, Jessica M.
      a/k/a Parker, Jessica M.
      437 East Main St., 2nd
      North Adams, MA 01247
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Kim, Sunny K.
      40 Laurel St.
      Springfield, MA 01107
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Kuenzel, Renee Marie
      149 Summit Ave.
      Chicopee, MA 01020
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      		  

      Lacasse, David P.
      187 Stebbins Road
      Otis, MA 01253
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Larson, Vera A.
      12 Woodland St.
      Southbridge, MA 01550
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/29/08

      Leduc, Shannon Sabrina
      205 Orange St.
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Martin, Darcy J.
      20 Simard Dr.
      Apartment 4
      Chicopee, MA 01013
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/29/08

      Mendoza, Milagros
      a/k/a Mendina, Milagros
      112 Belvidere St.
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Morrissey, Paul
      32 Wands St.
      Springfield, MA 01118
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Murray, Lisa M.
      130 Montgomery Road
      Westfield, MA 01085
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Ottomaniello, John
      Ottomaniello, Lisa R.
      1847 Roosevelt Ave.
      Springfield, MA 01109
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Plourde, Michel
      1335 Worcester St.
      Indian Orchard, MA 01151
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/29/08

      Prendergast, Louis J.
      Prendergast, Melissa M.
      1285 Burnett Road
      Chicopee, MA 01020
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Radwilowicz, Jacqueline
      545 Chapin St.
      Ludlow, MA 01056
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Rideout, Ethan
      Rideout, Teresa
      44 Morgan St.
      Granby, MA 01033
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Sakowicz, Michael S.
      80 Old Belchertown Road
      Ware, MA 01082
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Santiago, Arlene
      34 Cecelia Ter.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/30/08

      Schecker, Suzanne Brita
      8 Treehouse Circle
      Easthampton, MA 01027
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Schroder, Lynn A.
      90 County Road
      Holyoke, MA 01040
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Servant, Marc R.
      Servant, Lynne Mary
      a/k/a Connors, Lynne M.
      72 Shelburne Center Road
      Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Shepherd, Timothy Flynn
      Shepherd, Donna Marie
      PO Box 327
      Wales, MA 01081
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Shettles, Alice Ann Marie
      a/k/a Clark, Alice Ann Marie
      Shettles, Abbie
      127 High St.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/28/08

      Shively, Mark Edward
      73 Amherst Ave.
      Feeding Hills, MA 01030
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Sims, Craig
      69 Ramblewood Dr.
      Springfield, MA 01118
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 08/01/08

      Theroux, Peter E.
      105 Fowler St.
      Westfield, MA 01085
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 08/04/08

      Upton, Patrick W.
      Upton, Kristine M.
      190 Mapleshade Ave.
      East Longmeadow, MA 01028
      Chapter: 13
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Weiss, Gary H.
      Weiss, Gail L.
      276 Millers Falls Road
      Northfield, MA 01360
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      Wright, Elizabeth Jane
      a/k/a Gooch, Elizabeth J.
      364 Suffield St.
      Agawam, MA 01001
      Chapter: 7
      Filing Date: 07/31/08

      By
      Departments

      The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2008.

      AGAWAM

      Town of Agawam
      760 Cooper St.
      $76,000 — Classroom renovation

      AMHERST

      Amherst College Trustees
      Merrill Science Building
      $53,000 — New roof

      CHICOPEE

      Chicopee Savings Bank
      219 Exchange St.
      $600,000 — Construct new offices, bathrooms, and break area

      GREENFIELD

      Greenfield Corporate Center
      143 Munson St.
      $1,174,000 — Construct a 22,400-square-foot addition to existing building

      Kangel, LLC
      99 Elm St.
      $4,000 — New loading dock

      Main Street Realty Trust
      74 Main St.
      $31,000 — Remodel existing office area

      Molly & Van Wood
      19 Butternut St.
      $3,500 — Add solar panels on roof

      New England Telephone
      11 Church St.
      $166,000 — Installation of new AC unit

      So. Worcester Company Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
      55 Forgeys Way
      $922,000 — New adult day care facility


      		  

      William D. Jones
      14 Miner St.
      $28,000 — Interior renovations

      HADLEY

      317 Hadley, LLC
      321 Russell St.
      $31,000 — Change recreation areas into classrooms

      Peter Grandonico
      108 Russell St.
      $4,000 — Construct wall for office

      Research Park Limited Partnership, LLC
      100 Venture Way
      $75,000 — Tenant separation revisions

      HOLYOKE

      Holyoke Mall, LP
      50 Holyoke St.
      $184,000 — Remodel existing Swarowski store

      Holyoke Crossing Limited Partnership II
      7-45 Holyoke St.
      $37,000 — Interior fit-up at Sleepy’s store

      Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield
      56 Cabot St.
      4137,000 — Install new roof

      LUDLOW

      First Church of Ludlow
      859 Center St.
      $17,000 — Reshingle

      YPS: A Group with a Purpose — and a Future

      By
      Opinion

      They call it the ‘brain drain.’

      This is one of those contrived terms, in this case used to describe the flight of young people out of a region to find jobs, opportunities, fulfillment … in short, something better than what they had, or thought they could get, where they were before.

      The extent and uniqueness of the brain drain in the Pioneer Valley — which has a number of colleges but keeps only a small percentage of graduates (especially from the private schools) in this region — can be debated. What can’t be debated, though, is the importance of young professionals to the vitality and economic health of this or any other region.

      Which is why we’re enthusiastic about the early success and enormous promise of a group called the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, or YPS. Created about 18 months ago, it is off to what can only be described as a phenomenal start in its efforts to — and these are the words right in the mission statement — engage, involve, and educate people under the age of 40.

      As it does so, it is helping to keep young people in this region by giving them more reasons to feel better about their presence here, but it’s also preparing them to be better leaders and contributors to the community if, and for however long, they do stay.

      But let’s back up a minute. Current officers say the concept of YPS was born mostly out of curiosity. To make a long story somewhat short, some young people were wondering out loud where all their contemporaries were, what they were doing, what they were thinking, whether they liked it here, whether they fully appreciated all there is to do here, and if they could use help getting connected to the region and its assets.

      So they scheduled a get-together and invited virtually everyone they could connect with via the Internet. They were hoping for 30 people and got five times that number.

      Besides counting heads, organizers listened and learned, and what they came away with was the clear impression that young people, as a group, needed an organization that could help them network, grow professionally and personally, become involved in the community, and develop leadership skills.

      So they created one.

      And then they developed some programming to define it. These initiatives include what are called Third Thursdays, get-togethers that take place on those dates on the calendar, at which attendees can network and socialize. There’s also the CEO Luncheon, which, as the name suggests, involves an area CEO hosting lunch for 20 or 30 YPS members and discussing a wide range of topics involving business, the community, and life in general.

      There’s also a strong focus on the arts and getting people involved with those institutions, and even a New Year’s Eve gala on the slate for this year.

      Put it all together, and we have a group that could make — and is in many respects already making — a very positive impact on this region and its business community.

      By getting young people engaged and involved, YPS is making the region a better place to live, work, and play. At the same time, it is giving these same young people more reasons to enjoy their time in the Valley, and perhaps prompting more to stay. Meanwhile, with its focus on education, YPS is helping to groom a more-informed, more-capable group of future business owners, managers, employees, nonprofit board members, and public servants.

      This a noble and important mission, one that already has the backing of a number of a number of area corporations, and could use more of the same from other businesses and business organizations that all face the daunting challenge of finding talented help for today and especially tomorrow.

      YPS is a group with a purpose and a real future — that’s because it’s this region’s future at stake.-

      By
      Departments

      Fuss & O’Neill Acquires UPLINC

      WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fuss & O’Neill Technologies (Fandotech), a multidiscipline engineering firm, recently acquired the assets of UPLINC. With the firm’s newest addition, Fuss & O’Neill now has more than 34 professionals in Western Mass. Fandotech is a regional IT company that provides a full range of managed IT services from multiple data centers to supporting each client’s desktop. Products include OFFSITE data centers, Managed IT, 360IT, 180IT, GIS, Community Explorer Online (CEO), Mooring tracker, Applications Solutions Development, Business Continuity, Boomerang data backup, and restoration. Fandotech provides IT services to medical, industrial, education, and municipal clients across New England.

      Bank Offers Energy Relief Program

      SPRINGFIELD — For the fourth consecutive year, Hampden Bank is offering its mortgage customers the opportunity to participate in its Energy Relief Program that allows customers to make smaller, interest-only payments on their mortgages for the duration of the heating season. Senior Vice President Robert Michel noted that the program is simple, but the savings can be “profound.” For example, a $150,000 loan balance with a 20-year remaining term at an average of 6.5% interest rate would yield a savings of almost $250 per month. After the heating season ends in April, the borrower’s loan would be recast to amortize the new loan balance. In the example, the recast payment would increase the monthly payment on the loan by about $14 per month. “As a local community bank, we have the ability to react quickly to the needs of our customers,” said Michel. “This program will help people when they need it most. That’s what makes a bank like Hampden Bank in tune with the community it serves.”

      Landon Extends Contract with Falcons

      SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon has agreed to extend his employment agreement for three years with the American Hockey League team. Landon is entering his 31st season in hockey management, the 15th season as president of the Falcons, and his 25th campaign as general manager in Springfield. The Springfield Pro Hockey, LLC ownership group noted that, over the past several months, the organization led by Landon has gained significant, positive momentum in its efforts to sell more season tickets with the goal of re-establishing its strong franchise presence in the Springfield region. The ownership group also acknowledges that “much work still needs to be done” in the process of stabilizing the professional sports franchise. Generating the necessary revenues from season-ticket sales and advertising sponsorships remains one of Landon’s top goals in order to stay at levels consistent with other upper echelon and successful AHL teams, according to the ownership group.

      PeoplesBank Opens Office, Makes Donations

      HOLYOKE — Seven charitable and civic organizations in Springfield recently benefited from donations totaling $113,200 by PeoplesBank. Bank officials made the donation announcement at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 8 at its second Springfield office at 1240 Sumner Ave. PeoplesBank President and CEO Douglas A. Bowen said financial commitments were made to American International College for $50,000; Rachel’s Table, $15,000; ReStore Home Improvement Center, $10,000; Springfield Falcons, $11,200; Springfield Public Forum, $4,000; Springfield Symphony, $8,000, and the Urban League of Springfield, $15,000. As a community bank, he noted, PeoplesBank is focused on the needs of its customers and the cities and towns it serves — which include the area’s charitable and civic organizations. Bowen added that, in addition to the bank’s financial commitment, he encourages his employees to volunteer their time and leadership skills to “some of these same organizations to ensure that their important work will continue.” PeoplesBank offers a full range of personal and commercial financial products and services. Locally based since 1885, the bank has offices and ATM locations in Amherst, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Feeding Hills, Granby, Hadley, Holyoke, Long-meadow, Northampton, South Hadley, Springfield, and Westfield.

      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.

      CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

      Czar Distributing Inc. v. Creative Design Custom Homes
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $1,060
      Filed: 8/13/08

      Tony Canty v. Gemini Property Services
      Allegation: Failure to complete bathroom remodeling project: $2,000
      Filed: 8/18/08

      FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

      Ryan J. Holmgren v. Dunkin Donuts Inc.
      Allegation: Plaintiff sustained personal injury when he sat on a needle: $2,504
      Filed: 8/14/08

      HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

      Corey Hebert ppa Mark Hebert v. Dick’s Sporting Goods
      Allegation: Negligence and product liability causing injury: $62,900
      Filed: 8/06/08

      Kimberly Gauthier v. Pride Plazas Inc.
      Allegation: Negligence in placement of air compressor causing injury: $650,000
      Filed: 8/07/08

      Kimberlee Estrella v. T.D. Banknorth, N.A.
      Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
      Filed: 8/07/08

      Melinda Tillman v. the Mercy Hospital Inc.
      Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
      Filed: 8/07/08

      T.D. Banknorth, N.A. v. Tremblay Electric
      Allegation: Non-payment of debt: $66,634.90
      Filed: 8/21/08

      HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

      Christopher Martin v. Hampshire, Franklin, & Hampden Agricultural Society
      Allegation: Poor maintenance of racetrack causing injury to rider: $750,000
      Filed: 9/02/08

      Leonard E. Belcher v. Bishop Burner Service
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $104,000
      Filed: 8/28/08

      NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

      Meade G. Burrows v. Pioneer Valley Roofing
      Allegation: Failure to fulfill terms of contract: $4,000
      Filed: 8/07/08

      PALMER DISTRICT COURT

      The Bell/Simons Companies v. Monson Heating
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,118.08
      Filed: 7/18/08

      SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

      Agar Supply Company v. Spark Fish and Steven Parrot
      Allegation: Non-payment on judgment: $17,298.10
      Filed: 8/04/08

      Christopher F. Fava v. Yellow Book USA Inc.
      Allegation: Breach of advertising contract: $24,860
      Filed: 8/13/08

      Stephen & Jeanne Kuchyt v. Sentry Fence
      Allegation: Breach of contract and deceptive business practices: $8,081
      Filed: 8/19/08

      WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

      Christine Impoco v. Hartley Brothers Landscaping Inc.
      Allegation: Breach of contract pertaining to drainage work: $5,145.88
      Filed: 7/15/08

      David Williams v. Allen Lawnmower Company
      Allegation: Plaintiff seeks damages caused by defendant: $2,000
      Filed: 7/18/08

      By
      Departments

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

      AGAWAM

      Fusion Bath & Kitchen Inc., 56 Beekman Dr., Agawam 01001. James Kearney, Jr., same. To operate a kitchen and bathroom modeling and repairing company.

      AMHERST

      Dream Book Inc., #721 Keefe Campus Center, Amherst 01002. Melissa Lauren Atmadia, 4075 View Park Dr., Yorba Linda, CA 92886. Justin Park, #721 Keefe Campus Center, Amherst 01002, resident agent. (Nonprofit) To promote the resolution between the arts and sciences in the field of medicine, etc.

      BRIMFIELD

      Fairview Farms, JJC, Ltd., 121 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield 01010. James J. Corkery, 159 Woodwind Dr., Rock Hill, SC 29732. Krystone O’Connor, 121 Hanes Hill Road, Brimfield 01010, registered agent. Equestrian boarding and activities.

      CHICOPEE

      Assembleia de Deus Ministerio Na Uncao, 419 Montcalm St., #214M, Chicopee 01020. Wellington de Brito Corraim, same. (Nonprofit) Church.

      Western Mass Export Inc., 269 Chicopee St., Suite 12, Chicopee 01013. Vlad Bezruthchenko, same. To import and export auto parts and automobiles.

      EAST LONGMEADOW

      Link To Libraries Inc., 45 Rockingham Circle, East Longmeadow 01028. Susan Jaye-Kaplan, 35 Bluegrass Circle, East Longmeadow 01028. (Nonprofit) To enhance language and literacy skills of children of all cultural backgrounds, enabling them to learn about their world through reading.

      RWG Paralegal Group Inc., 26 Yorkshire Place, East Longmeadow 01028. Richard W. Gebo, Sr., same. Paralegal services.

      FLORENCE

      Chemitorp Inc., 238 Nonotuck St., Florence 01062. Gabriel Munck, same. (Foreign corp; DE) Manufacture of maiamioa and urea molding compounds.

      HOLYOKE

      Joe Francis Inc., 514 South East St., Holyoke 01040. Joseph Francis, same.
      To renovate and manage rental properties.

      HADLEY

      CBR Realty Corp., 87 Russell St., Hadley 01035. Daniel J. Regish, same. Real estate.

      HAMPDEN

      Houghton Business Systems Inc., 511 Main St., Hampden 01036. Scott Wentworth Houghton, same. Information technology consulting.

      HOLLAND

      Grasshopper Learning Solutions Inc., 236 Stafford Road, Holland 01521. Heather Briere, same. Health education services.

      HOLYOKE

      Ministerio de Misiones Uniendo Fuerzas Para Vencer Inc., 21 View St., Holyoke 01040. Wilma Rodriguez, same. (Nonprofit) To establish a good relationship with the community, bring help to the children in Central America, etc.

      Western Massachusetts Catholic Homeschoolers, 74 Pearl St., Holyoke 01040. Mary V. Brazeau, same. (Nonprofit) Learning Bible and apologetics studies for adults and children, etc.

      LONGMEADOW

      Crestal Health Periodontics, P.C., 218 Pinewood Dr., Longmeadow 01106. Daniel B. Stiefel, same. To engage in the practice of dentistry, specializing in periodontics.

      OTR International Inc., 785 Williams St., #214, Longmeadow 01106. Firangiz Ismailova Orel, 67 Broadway Lane, West Yarmouth 02673. Sale of tires, trucks, and related products.

      LUDLOW

      Environmental Safety Training Inc., 212 Clearwater Circle, Ludlow 01056. Carolyn Scyocurka, same. U.S. EPA approved asbestos training provider.

      MONSON

      CS Solutions Inc., 138 Wales Road, Monson 01057. Patricia L. Kustra, same. Customer service.

      MONTAGUE

      Northeast Toyota Crawlers Inc., 60 Randall Road, Montague 01351. Robert L. Tracey, 123 Western Pkwy., Schenectady, NY 12304. Cody Savinski, 60 Randall Road, Montague 01351, resident agent. (Nonprofit) To provide social, educational, and recreational activities for its membership, promote safe operation of our stock of modified 4-x-4 vehicles on and off road, etc.

      		  

      NORTHAMPTON

      Diploma Plus Inc., 75 Gothic St., Northampton 01060. Ephraim Weisstein, 6 Watertown St., Lexington 02421. (Nonprofit) To develop innovative educational approaches to improve outcomes for youths formerly failed by traditional schools.

      Mo Willems Studio Inc., 75 Lyman Road, Northampton 01060. Maurice Willems, same. (Foreign corp; NY) Author — children’s books.

      NORTHFIELD

      The Eco School Inc., 1046 Millers Falls Road, Northfield 01360. Danielle Lejnieks, same. (Nonprofit) Educational facility for the underprivileged.

      PALMER

      1241 Park Street Realty Inc., 1241 Park St., Palmer 01069. Giampiero Borgovono, IV Novemkbre Merate 23807 ITA. Frank Fitzgerald, P.C., 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow 01028. To deal in real estate and personal property.

      Al’s Heating & Cooling Inc., 37 Stimson St., Palmer 01069. Alan Nateau, same. Installation of heating and cooling systems.

      SOUTH HADLEY

      Corner Construction Inc., 18 Main St., Suite 2B, South Hadley 01075. Nasrullah Khan, same. Construction.

      The Central Massachusetts Academy Inc., 9 College St., South Hadley 01075. James Levine, Ph.D, same. (Nonprofit) Exclusively for educational purposes.

      Witman Properties Inc., 26 Camden St., South Hadley 01075. Anthony Witman, same. To deal in commercial and residential real properties.

      SPRINGFIELD

      BAC Foundation Inc., 15 Ruthven St., Springfield 01128. Cordell Valentine Rogers II, same, registered agent. To develop and sustain holistically healthy communities, etc.

      Euro Marketing Group Inc., 934 Main St., Springfield 01103. Carmino Bonavita, 118 Southbrook Road, East Longmeadow 01028. Marketing and origination of commercial and residential mortgages.

      Frodema Appraisal Inc., 50 Cherryvale Ave., Springfield 01108. Thomas P. Frodema, same. Real estate appraisal services.

      Greenleaf Holdings Inc., 1655 Main St., Suite 201, Springfield 01103. Alex Aviles, same. Real estate.

      KJR Commercial Cleaning Inc., 24 Stony Brook Road,
      Springfield 01118. Kelly J. Raleigh, same. Commercial cleaning.

      Zhen Bo House Inc., 762 Boston Road, Springfield 01119. Wei Dong Lin, 765 FDR Dr., #9G, New York 10009; Wei Dong Lin, 762 Boston Road, Springfield 01119, registered agent. Restuarant.

      THREE RIVERS

      VFR Inc., 2004 Main St., Three Rivers 01080. Rakeshkumar V. Patel, 1922 Wilbraham Road, Springfield 01129. To operate a supermarket.

      TURNERS FALLS

      Divine Mercy Academy Inc., 84K St., Turners Falls 01376. Lawrence Filiault, 297 Mountain Rd., Gill 01354. (Nonprofit) To provide a comprehensive liberal arts education in the Catholic classical tradition.

      WESTFIELD

      Gary Olszewski & Company, PC Inc., 94 North Elm St., Westfield 01085. Gary S. Olszewski, same. Public accountancy services.

      WILBRAHAM

      Burke Technology Inc., 35 Brookside Dr., Wilbraham 01095. Patrick D. Burke, same. Implement and maintain technology solutions.

      WEST SPRINGFIELD

      Lift Truck Parts & Service II Inc., 20 Parkside Ave., West Springfield 01089. Mario A. Sotolotto, 290 Rogers Ave., West Springfield 01089. To deal in industrial equipment for lift trucks, etc.

      River Street Spirits Inc., 20 D River St., West Springfield 01089. Louis F. Bonavita, 67 Alexander Dr., Agawam 01001. To own and operate a package store.

      By
      Departments

      Blast from the Past

      A series of events were staged Sept. 12 and 13 to launch the Web site ‘Shays’ Rebellion and the Making of a Nation’ at Springfield Technical Community College. The Web site project was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities for STCC in partnership with the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. Clockwise, from above, Shays’ Rebellion project manager Dr. Lynne Spichiger and Web site designer Juliet Jacobson demonstrate the Web site; artist Bryant White at the gallery reception for his paintings for the Shays’ Rebellion Web site; answering questions following the symposium on Shays’ Rebellion, from left, Dr. Kevin Sweeney of Amherst College, Dr. Leonard Richards of UMass Amherst, and Dr. Robert Gross of UConn.

      ‘Latinos in Schools’ Initiative

      Comcast was on hand to show its support and sponsorship of the ‘Latinos in Schools’ initiative at a recent sponsorship event staged at Springfield Central High School. Comcast contributed funds that will be utilized to help provide school uniforms for children who are unable to afford them in the Springfield school system. Pictured are: back row, left to right, Juan Gerena of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center Inc., Comcast’s Dan Glanville, Brad Palazzo, and Steve Fitzgibbons; middle row, left to right, Dr. Denise L. Pagan-Vega of Springfield Public Schools, Univision character la Profesora Anacleta, Jesus Arce from Mayor Domenic Sarno’s office with (front row) Springfield schoolchildren.

      By
      Departments

      The Big E Gets Under Way

      Through Sept. 28: The 2008 edition of The Big E in West Springfield will present more than $1.7 million in free entertainment, ticketed concerts featuring Natasha Bedingfield, Sugarland, and Fergie, as well as new exhibits, the Mardi Gras Parade, rides, crafts, food, animals, and the best of the old and new that fairgoers have come to expect and enjoy. Notable highlights throughout the fair will include: the Big E Super Circus, the Circus Museum, Sea Lion Splash, and the Harvest New England Kitchen Theater. The Big E’s roots are in agriculture, and that tradition continues by hosting competitions for prize-winning animals from across the country in the largest livestock show in the East. The Big E also offers a wide variety of outdoor and farm exhibits. Whether in Farm-A-Rama or along the Avenue of Agriculture, animal lovers will observe cows, pigs, sheep, llamas, a chick-hatching exhibit, and a rabbit exhibit, among many other animals. Another Big E tradition is the Avenue of States, where each New England state capitol is represented by a replica of the original. Each building contains the native foods, products, crafts, and tourist information of each state. Big E hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Storrowton Village Gift Shop and the Yankee Candle Shop are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Village Craft Area is open until 10 p.m. The North American Midway is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., weekends from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Avenue of States hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For tickets, show times and other detailed information, visit www.thebige.com.

      Dinner Forum on Love, Work, and Boundaries

      September 16: The UMass Amherst Family Business Center will host a dinner forum titled “Boundary Issues in Love and Work” from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Northampton. Author Jane Adams will offer techniques and tools that can enable business owners to regulate their personal and professional relationships to get more of what they want and less of what they don’t in all their dealings with other family members, partners, friends, and colleagues. The evening will also feature a talk by Rick Giombetti and Paul Alves of Giombetti Associates titled “What It Takes To Be A Good Follower.” Their presentation will discuss how to recognize someone who can take your lead, pick up the ball and run, understand your vision, and make it real. For more information, call Ira Bryck, director of the Family Business Center, at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

      Bridge of Flowers Is 100

      Sept. 20: A Centennial Birthday Party is planned from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the 1908 Trolley Bridge, best known as the Bridge of Flowers, in Shelburne Falls. The concrete arch bridge was constructed for the Shelburne Falls and Colrain Street Railway as a means for the electric street railway to cross the Deerfield River and connect with major steam railroads. The railway was used for almost 20 years before car and truck competition made electric operations unprofitable. After the last trolley crossed the bridge in November 1927, the rails were lifted, and a town decision was made to plant flowers on the bridge as a way to improve its aesthetics. During the birthday party, visitors may visit the site, as well as ride on Car Number Ten, the restored trolley that once ran across the Bridge of Flowers. For complete details on events throughout the day, visit www.sftm.org.

      Instinctive Leadership Series

      Sept. 23, Oct. 7, 28, Nov. 11, Dec. 9: Clear Vision Alliance presents an Instinctive Leadership Workshop Series beginning Sept. 23 at the Baystate Reference Labs Conference Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. The topics for the series are: Sept. 23, “Instinctive Leadership Overview”; Oct. 7, “Relate”; Oct. 28, “Connect”; Nov. 11, “Inspire”; and Dec. 9, “Empower.” Throughout the series, participants will share their own childhood and parenting experiences and will discuss the skills and knowledge of good parenting and relate them to leadership skills that are needed at one’s workplace and in life in general. The cost for one workshop is $65 or $250 for the series. For more information on the series, call (413) 283-7091, or E-mail [email protected]. Space is limited, and early registration is advised.

      Ad Club Luncheon

      Sept. 24: New York City designer, editor and publisher Josh Rubin will present a lecture titled “Triad of Technology” during the 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. luncheon of the Ad Club of Western Mass. in Scibelli Hall at Springfield Technical Community College. Believing there are no new ideas, just great executions, Rubin will discuss “cool high-tech” information that anyone can act on in their everyday life. The cost is $25 for Ad Club members, $35 for non-members, and $15 for students. The deadline to register is Sept. 19. For more information, visit www.adclubwm.org.

      Dinner Lecture

      October 14: Author Joel Barker will present “You Can and Should Shape Your Own Future, Because If You Don’t, Someone Else Surely Will” from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The dinner forum is hosted by the UMass Amherst Family Business Center. Barker will explain how to create ‘extreme’ partnerships to transform your company and product; how your senior leaders can continuously explore trends, innovations, and paradigm shifts; and how to better anticipate and deal with the effects of change. In addition to Barker’s presentation, an educational talk on how to be a savvier user of expert advisors will be presented by the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP. For more information, call Ira Bryck, director of the Family Business Center, at (413) 545-1537, or E-mail [email protected].

      By
      Departments

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

      Akanour, Lahoussine
      241 Jackson St., Apt. 5D
      Northampton, MA 01060
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Beaulieu-Brace, Michele E.
      126 Plunkett St.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Brutskiy, Dmitriy Y.
      Brutskaya, Vita
      a/k/a Manerskaite, Vita
      34 Laurelwood Lane
      Springfield, MA 01118
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Cadarette, Brian J.
      62 Green River Road
      Greenfield, MA 01301
      c/o P.O. Box 147
      Turners Falls, MA 01376
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Caggiano, Rosanne C.
      Caggiano, Anthony J.
      124 Southampton Road
      Westhampton, MA 01027
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/21/2008

      Castro, Jose M.
      21 Bowers St., Apt. 613
      Holyoke, MA 01040
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Clear, Craig A.
      Clear, Lisa C.
      7 Brainard Road
      Wilbraham, MA 01095
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/25/2008

      Cortes, Wilfredo
      Colon, Wilfredo Cortes
      48 Beauchamp St.
      Springfield, MA 01107
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/17/2008

      Dostal, Emma M.
      1 Bridge Lane
      Hatfield, MA 01038
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Dufresne, Ernestine Nilla
      210 Johnson Road, Apt 1
      Chicopee, MA 01022
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/17/2008

      Ellingwood, Jay D.
      Ellingwood, Barbara A.
      177-179 Silver Lake St.
      Athol, MA 01331
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Estrada, Serena M.
      a/k/a Olson, Serena M.
      39 Guy Place
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Evans, Mark E.
      Evans, Denise D.
      77 Elizabeth Dr.
      Ludlow, MA 01056
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      Fontanez, Gladys
      P.O. Box 2033
      Springfield, MA 01101
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Gammons, George T.
      Gammons, Carolyn H. O’Connell Rd.
      Holyoke, MA 01040
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/21/2008

      Gibson, Gregg A.
      Gibson, Patricia S.
      278 Ely Ave.
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      Gibson, Paulette D.
      136 Malibu Dr.
      Springfield, MA 01128
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Greene, James
      45 Ringgold St.
      Springfield, MA 01107
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Harris, Roney
      615 White St.
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/21/2008

      Howell, Michael John
      433 Amherst Road, Apt. 4
      Belchertown, MA 01007
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Iglesias, Jeanene D.
      183 Berkshire Ave.
      Southwick, MA 01077
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/21/2008

      Jarmolowicz, Sharon L.
      34 Elm St.
      South Deerfield, MA 01373
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      King, Kenneth J.
      King, June A.
      15 Richard Eger Dr.
      Holyoke, MA 01040
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/25/2008

      Koscielniak, Amy L.
      101 Edward Ave.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/23/2008

      		  

      Kustra, Penelope S.
      58 Celestine St.
      Chicopee, MA 01013
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      Latour, Joan M.
      22C Phins Hill Manor
      Granby, MA 01033
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/21/2008

      Lemieux, Jr., Joseph P.
      31 Woodland Ridge
      Southwick, MA 01077
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/22/2008

      Lester, Colleen M.
      33 Chatham St.
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Masic, Nedzad
      Masic, Fatima
      a/k/a Marit, Fatima
      60 Worcester St.
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/17/2008

      McHugh, Bernard Joseph
      McHugh, Roxanne Vivian
      587 Pleasant St.
      Barre, MA 01005
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      Merced, Patricia
      63 Eleanor Road
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      Napoli, Stephen Domenic
      154 Pleasantview Ave.
      Longmeadow, MA 01106
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/21/2008

      O’Hare, Gladys R.
      519 East River St., Lot 43
      Orange, MA 01364
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/16/2008

      Olson, Dawn Marie
      19 Humphrey Lane
      West Springfield, MA 01089
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Pelletier, Wayne John
      16 Ridge Hill Road
      Sturbridge, MA 01566
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Place, Deborah A.
      125 Bulat Dr.
      Springfield, MA 01129
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Rogers, Charles E.
      18-20 Church St.
      Gilbertville, MA 01031
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/17/2008

      Roy, Donald A.
      25 Jefferson Ave.
      Chicopee, MA 01020
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/17/2008

      Saladyga, Danuta Zofia
      24 Hillside Village
      Ware, MA 01082
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Salsbury, Roseanne Marie
      PO Box 6085
      Springfield, MA 01101
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Speranzo, Carol L.
      a/k/a Roosa, Carol L.
      a/k/a Adriance, Carol L.
      34 Lakewood Circle
      Pittsfield, MA 01201
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/22/2008

      Squires, Peter M.
      33 Draper St.
      Springfield, MA 01108
      Chapter: 13
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Todd, Holly J.
      25 Wheeler Ave.
      Orange, MA 01364
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/19/2008

      Trenary, Bart J.
      26 Pomeroy St.
      Easthampton, MA 01027
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/23/2008

      Tropical Gardens Pet Center
      Blair, Terri L.
      3 Chase Hill
      North Adams, MA 01247
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/24/2008

      Wilkey, Kenneth Howard
      66 Maple St.
      Athol, MA 01331
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/17/2008

      Will, Mary-Beth
      50 Brunelle St.
      Ludlow, MA 01056
      Chapter: 7
      Date: 07/18/2008

      By
      Departments

      State Regulators Deny Permit to Russell Biomass

      RUSSELL — The state Department of Public Utilities recently rejected plans for a 50-megawatt, $200 million wood-burning power plant, citing “significant, disrupting, and lasting” impacts on the town. Russell Biomass had requested that the department exempt the company’s proposed generating project from compliance with the town of Russell’s zoning requirements. To grant such an exemption, the department had to determine if the public benefits of the project would outweigh its local impacts. The department had found that the proposed facility would have clear public benefits. In particular, the proposed facility would have the potential to provide energy benefits for Massachusetts, in that development of the facility could: supply added renewable energy resources; help meet electricity demand in a manner that at least initially provides carbon-control benefits consistent with the state’s mandate to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases over time; contribute to maintaining the reliability of the bulk power system and potentially lower wholesale prices in some hours; and help provide a more diverse electricity supply, which may provide a measure of protection against possible fuel-supply disruption. The department also found that the proposed facility would come with significant local impacts. Primarily because Main Street in Russell is the sole means of vehicular access to the proposed facility, the project would have significant local traffic, traffic-safety, and noise impacts. Operation of the facility would require an average of 150 to 160, and up to 240, trips daily by tractor-trailer trucks delivering wood fuel, significantly increasing the size and volume of the vehicles that currently travel on Main Street, and significantly increasing noise above existing levels for a period of up to 11.5 hours each weekday. As a result, ease and safety of local residents’ access to their homes and to municipal services, including emergency services, could be compromised, and in some circumstances precluded. In addition, the existing character and aesthetic of the town and Main Street would be degraded. Department officials said they fully support the development of renewable energy resources in the Commonwealth, particularly those that have the potential to assist in reducing the carbon impact of Massachusetts power supply, and has acted in consideration of this viewpoint. The department notes that the project as currently proposed differs from the project originally approved by the town of Russell not only in the increased volume of daily truck traffic, but in the type of fuel to be used and in construction scheduling. The department added it is not denying the siting, construction, or operation of the proposed Russell Biomass facility. Instead, in weighing the public benefits of the proposed facility against local impacts, they concluded they could not approve the company’s request that the department provide an exemption from the local zoning bylaws of the town of Russell.

      Grant Ensures Continuation of TAP Program

      SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) recently announced a $250,000 grant from the state to continue its Technical Assistance Program. TAP, as it’s called, provides funding to businesses that move into vacant storefronts in the city. In the three years since its inception, the ACCGS has assisted more than 100 businesses to move into vacant storefronts throughout the city, according to Russell Denver, president of the ACCGS. Denver noted that the program has proven itself to be a benefit to chamber members who are not located in Springfield, as many have been used for the services rendered in connection with the TAP grants. The businesses that are the recipients of the grants can choose the vendors they wish to contract with, and the vendor in turn is paid directly by the chamber. Denver said this program is a “win-win” for everyone involved. Businesspersons interested in more information about the TAP program should call the ACCGS at (413) 787-1555.

      State Foreclosure Deeds Push Past 2007 Level

      BOSTON — Foreclosure deeds in Massachusetts jumped 34% in July from a year ago but declined slightly from the prior month, according to a new report by the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. A total of 1,097 foreclosure deeds were filed in July, up from 819 in July 2007. July’s foreclosure deeds were 3% lower than June, when 1,131 deeds were recorded. Foreclosure activity has doubled so far this year, with 7,804 deeds filed through July 2008 compared to 3,902 during the same period in 2007. The number of foreclosure deeds from January through July has already exceeded the total number recorded for all of 2007, when there were 7,653 deeds. The most foreclosure deeds in July were recorded in Worcester with 68; Springfield, 61; Brockton, 46; Dorchester, 46; and Lynn, 46. Petitions to foreclose, which is the first step in the foreclosure process, rose 43.4% to 502 in July from 350 in June. But petitions to foreclose fell 79.8% from July 2007, when lenders filed 2,485 foreclosure petitions. The sharp dropoff is connected to a law that took effect in May that requires lenders intending to foreclose to give borrowers 90 days to pay off loan defaults. Auction announcements in July climbed 5% to 1,354 from 1,289 a year earlier. Year-to-date auction announcements jumped 34.7% to 11,932 from 8,859.

      GDF SUEZ Acquires FirstLight Power Enterprises

      HOLYOKE — GDF SUEZ Energy International, through its North American subsidiary, recently announced the signing of an agreement to acquire FirstLight Power Enterprises Inc. FirstLight owns and operates a unique portfolio of 15 power-generation plants — primarily pumped storage and traditional hydro facilities — and has a state-of-the-art natural-gas-peaking facility under construction. Together, these 16 facilities — including the Mount Tom Station on Route 5 near Northampton — have a combined capacity of 1,538 MW located in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Dirk Beeuwsaert, CEO of GDF SUEZ, noted in a press statement that the acquisition of FirstLight solidifies the company’s presence in a sizable and growing electricity and gas market. New England, with a population of 14 million and 31,000 MW of electric-generation capacity, is a core market for GDF SUEZ in North America, added Beeuwsaert. The company currently owns six renewable and natural-gas-fired power generation assets in the region; it sells electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and natural gas to nearly every gas utility in New England through its liquefied natural gas business. GDF SUEZ has not indicated how much it offered to purchase FirstLight.

      Major Retailers See Sales Drop

      NEW YORK — Several major retailers including JCPenney, Kohl’s, and American Eagle Outfitters, posted lower August sales on weaker back-to-school spending, but the declines were not as dire as Wall Street investors had feared. In contrast, Costco’s sales rose 9% due to bargains on gasoline and food, although that increase was weaker than expected. JCPenney officials also expect sales in September to fall in the mid- to high single digits, compared with 2007’s 3.7% decline. Kohl’s, which reported a 5.8% decline in August sales, said its stores continued to experience weakness in southern and southwest states. At American Eagle, sales fell 5%, hurt by continued weakness in its young women’s business.

      By
      Departments

      The following building permits were issued during the month of September 2008.

      AGAWAM

      City of Agawam
      689 Main St.
      $22,000 — Installation of play structure at Phelp’s School

      Cumberland Farms
      837 Suffield St.
      $2,500 — Installation of handicap ramp

      AMHERST

      Amherst College Trustees
      Merrill Science Building
      $52,750 — New roof

      CHICOPEE

      Elm’s College
      291 Springfield St.
      $6,800 — Renovate existing offices

      MC OP-CO
      1460 Memorial Dr.
      $55,000 — Renovate 100 square feet for a coffee service

      EASTHAMPTON

      Bary Nasir
      36-40 Union St.
      $20,000 — Renovate space for Kennedy Fried Chicken take-out service

      GREENFIELD

      Alliance Church
      385 Chapman St.
      $6,000 — New roof

      CFM Buckley North LLC
      95 Laurel St.
      $17,000 — Installation of a concrete outdoor patio area

      HADLEY

      Ann McEwen & David Thompson
      43 Russell St.
      $132,000 — 12-by-40 single-story addition on west side of hospital

      David Viola
      367 Russell St.
      $28,000 — Mobiletron/Verizon 10-by-15 kiosk modular construction

      Hopkins Academy
      131 Russell St.
      $34,000 — Remove ceilings and floors and replace with new

      HOLYOKE

      City of Holyoke Schools
      401 Jarvis Ave.
      $19,000 — Install new canopies

      City of Holyoke Schools
      75 Kane Road
      $19,000 — Install new canopies

      Holyoke Crossing Limited Partnership II
      15 Holyoke St.
      $28,000 — Interior renovation

      LONGMEADOW

      Summa Venture Realty Trust
      916 Shaker Road
      $193,000 — Bank alterations

      LUDLOW

      Viter Inc.
      305 Moody St.
      $390,000 — Commercial addition

      		  

      NORTHAMPTON

      Suher Properties LLC
      50 Main St.
      $7,000 — Interior renovations

      SOUTH HADLEY

      Mt. Holyoke College
      50 College St.
      $111,000 — Dwight Hall renovations

      Mt. Holyoke College
      25 Morgan St.
      $196,000 — Gorse Hall renovations

      Mt. Holyoke College
      47 Morgan St.
      $10,000 — Alterations to the Oscar C. Koehler building

      SPRINGFIELD

      American International College
      191-193 Acorn St.
      $570,000 — Alterations to eight dormitory units

      American International College
      1000 State St.
      $6,000 — Create new area for print shop in Schwartz Campus Center

      American International College
      170-192 Wilbraham Road
      $3,500 — Create new dorm room

      Baystate Health Inc.
      759 Chestnut St.
      $227,000 — Relocation of existing lab

      L&W Realty
      310 State St.
      $2,000 — Installing new door for secondary egress

      SIS
      1441 Main St.
      $29,000 — Interior renovations to create new offices

      WESTFIELD

      Bank of America
      10 Main St.
      $42,000 — Interior renovations

      Lawry Freight
      138 Apremont Way
      $54,000 — Commercial renovation

      WEST SPRINGFIELD

      C&G Realty Trust
      11 Park Ave.
      $41,000 — New roof

      Century Investment Company
      73 State St.
      $496,000 — Renovate existing storefront facade

      Raymour & Flanagan
      1406 Elm St.
      $284,000 — Strip and re-roof

      U.P.S.
      120 Wayside Ave.
      $50,000 — Install sprinkler-fire-suppression system

      By
      Departments

      PeoplesBank Opens Second Springfield Office

      SPRINGFIELD — PeoplesBank has opened a second full-service office at 1240 Sumner Ave. PeoplesBank also has a city location at 1900 Wilbraham Road, as well as offices in Amherst, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Holyoke, Longmeadow, South Hadley and Westfield.

      Employment Supports Program Opens

      AGAWAM — The Work Opportunity Center Inc. recently conducted a grand opening of its Employment Supports Program at 1666 Main St., Springfield. The program’s primary focus will be to assist individuals in Hampden County to find gainful and meaningful employment. The new facility will provide a greater variety of computer skills training, especially in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Publisher, as well as computer basics and Internet navigation. Consumers in the Employment Supports Program are referred primarily by the Department of Mental Retardation, the Department of Transitional Assistance, and the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission. Since 1969, the Work Opportunity Center has been assisting adults with developmental disabilities to secure training and employment.

      ACCGS, Hampden Bank Sponsor Initiative for Business Growth

      SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) and Hampden Bank recently announced a sponsorship to support the efforts of local small and mid-sized business owners to participate in a successful organization that has helped many local business owners to profitably grow their businesses. The ACCGS will become a sponsor and supporter of the Breakthrough Executive Board, which is comprised of a group of local business owners who have joined together to promote the growth and management of their companies. Both organizations will be inviting local business owners to attend an executive briefing session titled “Seven Things CEOs of Breakthrough Companies Know That You Don’t” on Sept. 24 and Oct. 9 at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in West Springfield, 8 to 10:30 a.m. For registration information, call (413) 583-3653 or E-mail [email protected]. Financial assistance for Board membership is supported by the State Workforce Development Fund, and discounted fees are available to ACCGS members and Hampden Bank business-banking customers.

      SPHS Awarded Commonwealth Corps Grant

      SPRINGFIELD — Commonwealth Corps volunteers will join the ranks of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS), thanks to a $131,000 grant from the Mass. Service Alliance in partnership with Commonwealth Corps. Under the grant program, volunteers will work with nonprofit organizations to provide direct services for unmet community needs and recruit new volunteers to encourage continuation of such service. The Mercy Healthy Communities Corps Team will be in place for one year and will serve in various programs and departments throughout SPHS. In addition to recruiting volunteers for the Volunteer Services Department at Mercy Medical Center, the new corps members will assist with Project Homeless Connect and Dress for Success through the Healthcare for the Homeless Department, provide health care education and support at MercyCare-Forest Park and Providence Prenatal Center of Holyoke, and offer mentoring services to children at Brightside for Families and Children. Corps members will receive a living stipend and completion bonus. For more information, contact Colleen Condon, director of volunteer services at Mercy Medical Center, at (413) 748-9078.

      $9.2M Hotel Renovation Underway at UMass

      AMHERST — For the first time since the Campus Center Hotel at UMass Amherst opened its doors in 1970, the facility is undergoing a complete renovation of its guest rooms, lobby, and adjoining areas. Instead of one-bedroom and two-bedroom junior suites, the refurbished hotel will offer a mix of room types with new king, queen, or double beds. In addition, each room will be outfitted with new desks with ergonomic chairs, dressers, coffee makers, hair dryers, plasma televisions, and high-speed Internet connections. Closets with glass doors will be constructed, and in the bathrooms, bathtubs will be removed and replaced with walk-in glass showers. The room doors will be refinished to a dark walnut color, according to Meredith Schmidt, director of the Campus Center/Student Union complex. The remodeling will be completed two floors at a time so that the hotel can remain open and accommodate guests during construction. The tentative completion date is April 2009. The Boston office of the international architectural firm Gensler is overseeing the renovation. Schmidt said the firm’s renovation plans reflect a conscious respect for Bauhaus architect and influential modernist Marcel Breuer, who designed the Campus Center with his associate, Herbert Beckhard. Eastern General Contractors Inc. of Springfield is carrying out the modernization project.

      MMWEC Requests Federal Probe

      LUDLOW — Massachusetts and six other states receiving hydroelectric power from New York are seeking a federal investigation into the causes of multi-million-dollar increases in the cost of delivering the power across New York’s electric transmission system. Allegations of potential illegal activity and abuse of power-market rules have surfaced in calls for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission investigation into alleged manipulative practices that by one estimate have cost consumers more than $450 million since January 2008. Forty Massachusetts municipal utilities receive a 53-megawatt allocation of low-cost, hydroelectric power generated at the Niagara Hydroelectric Project in Western New York. While the cost of generating the power has remained relatively stable at around 3 cents per kilowatt hour, the cost of delivering the power to the Massachusetts border has nearly tripled in recent months, to approximately $3 million. Massachusetts is represented in the case by the Mass. Municipal Wholesale Electric Co., which manages the state’s allocation of New York power through an agreement with the state Department of Public Utilities. Under federal law, Massachusetts is entitled to a share of the Niagara Project power, which is delivered to the residential customers of the state’s municipal utilities. Other states receiving a share of the power are Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

      Loomis Communities Support Alzheimer’s Association

      Residents and staff of the Loomis Communities have joined forces this year to raise $7,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Activities have ranged from a bridge marathon that raised $2,440, to sales of blueberry muffins, forget-me-nots, and Alzheimer’s Assoc. bracelets. Additionally, residents and their family members and staff will walk in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk on Sept. 21 at Stanley Park in Westfield. The Loomis Communities consists of three not-for-profit continuing-care retirement communities in the Pioneer Valley, including Applewood at Amherst, Loomis House in Holyoke, and Loomis Village in South Hadley. For more information on any of the Loomis Communities’ projects, contact Rob Claflin at (413) 253-9833.

      $40 Million in Improvements, Repairs Undertaken at UMass

      AMHERST — As work on several major building projects continued this summer at the UMass Amherst, more than $40 million in safety, building, and infrastructure improvements and repairs were also in progress across the campus. Safety-related projects included the installation of sprinkler systems and upgraded emergency lighting and fire alarms in several residence halls and other campus buildings, according to Jim Cahill, director of facilities and campus planning. The work was in addition to major projects, including the construction of the central heating plant, Integrated Sciences building, and the Recreation Center, as well as the renovation of Skinner Hall. Other improvements ranged from laboratory renovations and repairs and building facades to roof replacements, the reconstruction of a parking lot, and overhauls of classrooms. The projects were supported by state and federal funds, the UMass Building Authority, and campus monies.

      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.

      CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

      Krissy Lemke v. Photo Memories
      Allegation: Breach of contract for photo services: $2,000
      Filed: 8/12/08

      Peter Jeffrey Curtin v. HSBC Retail Services Inc. & HSBC Bank Nevada, N.A.
      Allegation: Breach of contract, violation of Fair Debt Collection Practices Act: $10,000
      Filed: 7/22/08

      Tony’s Auto Repair v. G. Tech Systems Communications Inc.
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $2,000
      Filed: 7/29/08

      FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

      Alan Stone v. HSIA, LLC d/b/a Seven O’s
      Allegation: Dram shop negligence causing personal injury: $23,311
      Filed: 8/25/08

      GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

      Edward Dorshow & Lynne Mclandsborough v. Ford Motor Co.
      Allegation: Breach of contract: $27,663.23
      Filed: 8/14/08

      HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

      A.J. Virgilio Construction Inc. v. Kowal General Contracting
      Allegation: Improper roof installment causing damages: $50,000
      Filed: 8/06/08

      All Points Capital Corp. v. G.W. Transport Inc.
      Allegation: Breach of equipment financing agreement: $44,540.96
      Filed: 7/23/08

      Amos Umezuruike v. Wal-Mart Stores, East
      Allegation: Employment discrimination: $1,300,000
      Filed: 7/28/08

      Holyoke Mall Company LP v. Sadie’s LLC
      Allegation: Defendant defaulted on written lease: $1,469,146.56
      Filed: 7/29/08

      JoAnna Strange v. Isac L. Bloch M.D. & E.N.T. Of Western New England, LLC
      Allegation: Removal of excess cartilage resulting in deformity: $500,000
      Filed: 8/11/08

      Luis Garcia v. Mass. State Lottery Commission
      Allegation: Employment discrimination: 760,000
      Filed: 7/27/08

      Luther Alexander v. Commerce Insurance
      Allegation: Failure to make reasonable offer of settlement: $17,083.57
      Filed: 7/11/08

      Mary Lou Sanborn v. Edward W. Drew, Electrician
      Allegation: Balance due for goods sold and delivered: $34,906.09
      Filed: 8/22/08

      Maura A. Halloran v. Alla Z. Chesky M.D. et al.
      Allegation: Medical malpractice: $200,000
      Filed: 7/24/08

      Pioneer Valley Concrete Services v. Norman B. Keddy Construction Co.
      Allegation: Failure to pay for labor and materials on three construction projects: $45,235.10
      Filed: 7/16/08

      Rosemary Pagios v. NK First Corp. & Nadim Kashouh
      Allegation: Breach of a commercial lease: $35,000
      Filed: 7/25/08

      TD Banknorth N.A. v. Tremblay Electric
      Allegation: Default on promissory note: $66,634.90
      Filed: 7/16/08

      Wells Fargo Equipment v. G.W. Transport Inc.
      Allegation: Breach of contract: $90,360.24
      Filed: 8/01/08

      HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

      Grefory & Sylvia Zakrzewski v. Extreme Marine
      Allegation: Misrepresentation in sale of boat: $25,000.00
      Filed: 8/15/08

      HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

      Fed Ex Ground Inc. v. Real Fragrances
      Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,923.88
      Filed: 7/14/08

      John Ferriter v. R.C.R. Enterprises Inc.
      Allegation: Bounced check and legal fees: $7,250; Filed: 8/08/08

      NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

      Dr. Peter G. Dayton v. Overlook Industries Inc.
      Allegation: Failure to pay on promissory note: $15,000; Filed: 8/18/08

      F.W. Webb Company v. Salvatore’s Plumbing & Heating
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,438.52; Filed: 7/09/08

      Ravenwood Greenhouses v. Laflammes’s Garden Center Inc. & Auctioneer Phil Jacquier Inc.
      Allegation: Negligently failed to ensure that successful bid was honored: $16,000
      Filed: 7/14/08

      PALMER DISTRICT COURT

      EMSL Analytical Inc. v. All Clean Mold Service
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,450.81
      Filed: 7-28-08

      Gilbert & Son Insulation Inc. v. Metro Builders
      Allegation: Non-payment of insulation services rendered: $2,506.19; Filed: 7/18/08

      The Bell/Simons Company v. Reliable Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.
      Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $6,257.52; Filed: 7/18/08

      SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

      Biermann Services Inc. v. ARA Convenience
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $23,844.60; Filed: 5/23/08

      Comdata Network Inc. v. A & A Transport Logistics
      Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $10,002.12; Filed: 5/08/08

      Gilbert & Son Insulation Inc. v. McElligott Construction, LLC
      Allegation: Non-payment for insulation services: $12,484.84; Filed: 5/21/08

      J.D. Contracting Inc. v. Newfield Construction Inc.
      Allegation: Breach of contract and money damages: $6,434; Filed: 8/15/08

      Mary Lou Sanborn v. Portelada Electric Inc.
      Allegation: Non-payment on account: $13,402.88
      Filed: 5/27/08

      Moriarty & Primack, P.C. v. Dorchester Industries Inc.
      Allegation: Non-payment for tax return services: $3,659.53
      Filed: 8/03/08

      Tyler Enterprises v. Grandview Farms Inc.
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,914.53
      Filed: 8/08/08

      United Rentals Inc. v. Heller & Smith Corp.
      Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services for various construction projects: $34,105.83
      Filed: 5/08/08

      WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

      Clark Paint & Varnish Co. v. Gerry’s Painting
      Allegation: Non-payment of goods: $1,292.02
      Filed: 8/04/08

      Ivey Industries Inc. v. New England Equipment Repair, LLC
      Allegation: Non-payment on rental, lease, and purchase of equipment: $2,000
      Filed: 8/01/08