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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

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

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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.

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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.

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Departments

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

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

By
Departments

Robert A. Plasse has been named Assistant to the President for Communications at Westfield State College. Plasse is the founding member, president, and director of programs for Westfield on Weekends, and most recently served as Assistant Professor in the Human Services Department at Holyoke Community College.

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Chuck Breidenbach has joined Mountain Development Corp., owner and manager of the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, as Managing Director of the MDC Retail Properties Group. He will oversee the retail business operations incorporating his wide variety of experience including development, leasing, management, marketing, and construction of both enclosed and open-air retail facilities. His background in new development, turnarounds, and expansions will help facilitate Mountain Development’s continued growth.

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Carolyne Hannan has been named Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Comcast in Western Mass., Connecticut, and New York. In this role, Hannan will oversee all marketing and sales initiatives in the 128 communities that comprise the region. Hannan has 15 years of experience in the communications industry, including four years with Comcast.

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Witalisz & Associates Inc. of Westfield announced the following:
• Bernadette Bain joins the firm as a Realtor/ Consultant;
• Grace Sullivan joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor, and
• Barbara Petrucelli joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor.

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Mark Grumoli has been named Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Greenfield Savings Bank. He brings more than 17 years of sales, commercial-banking, and management experience to his new position.

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Maryann Lombardi, who for the past year has served as acting Director of Creative Economy for the UMass Amherst division of University Outreach, has been named to become the first full-time director for that office. In this role she also serves as Managing Director of the Sankofa Dance Project, which celebrates African roots in American dance through intensive summer study, choreographic residencies, performances, and events. She brings extensive directing and production experience to the new Outreach position, having served almost 10 years as producer, general manager, and resident director for boulevard arts, inc., and as artistic producer and resident director for the Leopold Project.

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Edward J. Garbacik has been elected Vice President, Investment Executive of Financial Services of Florence Savings Bank. He has more than 20 years of financial services experience, having worked previously for UBS Financial Service Inc.

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William E. Templeton has joined Berkshire Bank as AVP/Mortgage Loan Manager for the Pioneer Valley. He will concentrate his efforts on developing mortgage business in the Greater Springfield area.

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Hogan Communications in Easthampton announced the following:
• Jenna Gable has joined the firm in the Accounting Department. She is creating policies and procedures that will further enhance the company’s customer service.
• Krystal Ayala has joined the firm as a Customer Advocate, specializing in increasing customer satisfaction.

•••••

UMass Amherst faculty and staff members have received recognition for their work in recent weeks:
• Fergus M. Clydesdale, Distinguished Professor and head of the Food Science Department, presented the 2008 Sterling B. Hendricks Memorial Lecture on Aug. 19 at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia;
• Ashoke Ganguli, Director of Auxiliary Services, received the Pinnacle Award from the (OS1) Users Group Aug. 18 in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to the cleaning industry and the (OS1) program”;
• Eliot Moss, Professor of Computer Science, shared an award for the most influential paper at the International Symposium on Computer Architecture June 21-25 in Beijing; and
• Brian D. Bunk, visiting Assistant Professor of History, co-edited Nation and Conflict in Modern Spain: Essays in Honor of Stanley G. Payne, published in August by the Parallel Press of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Co-edited by Sasha Pack and Carl Gustaf-Scott, the book is a collection of original scholarship and reflective essays written by students and colleagues of the distinguished Hispanist.

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Pat French has been named SCORE Community Outreach Coordinator for the Western Mass, division at H&R Block.

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FieldEddy has appointed Wendy L. Fitzgerald and Dina N. Rehbein as Personal Line Account Managers. Both are licensed property and casualty insurance agents in Massachusetts.

•••••

Andrew Ross has been promoted at Scottrade’s Springfield branch office at 1441 Main St. Ross is responsible for branch operations, managing personnel, and providing customer service.

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Kristina Lavigne has been promoted to Personal Insurance Manager for Insurance Center of New England in West Springfield.

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GCB Financial Services division in Greenfield announces the addition of Sharon A. Connery as a Financial Services Representative.

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UMass Five College Federal Credit Union announced that Craig Layman, a registered representative affiliated with broker-dealer and registered investment adviser CUSO Financial Services, was a recent recipient of the CFS 2007 Bronze Pacesetter Award at the annual conference in San Diego. The award honors the top-producing registered representatives among 100-plus credit union programs. UMass Five serves UMass as well as the Five College System and other select employee groups.

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Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley President-Elect Mark Abramson and Executive Vice President Edward M. Moore recently attended the 2008 National Association of Realtors Leadership Summit in Chicago.

•••••

Donna Huff, Minimum Data Set Coordinator for Jewish Geriatric Services, was recently awarded Minimum Data Set (MDS) certification granted by the National Assoc. of Subacute/Post Acute Care. MDS, a uniform set of elements for assessing the functional capacity of residents of long-term care facilities, is required for communication with designated state agencies as a condition of Medicare and Medicaid programs.

•••••

Bill Blair recently joined ERA Laplante Realty of South Hadley.

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Peter Spedero, a Senior Analyst for Unemployment Tax Control Associates in Springfield, recently celebrated his five-year anniversary with the firm. Spedero services the multi-state accounts division, including the US Air-America West and Sovereign Bank accounts.

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Terrie Edson recently joined Franklin County Home Care as Program Director of the Men’s Health Partnership and Women’s Health Network.

By
Departments

A Day of Caring

On Sept. 5, the United Way of the Pioneer Valley staged its Annual Day of Caring. More than 16,000 volunteers from 48 businesses and organizations across the region fanned out to clean playgrounds, spruce up parks and school grounds, and assist groups like Square One. Above, at the ribbon cutting ceremony at River Front Park in Springfield, United Way President Joel Weiss, right, and Mayor Dominic Sarno help do the honors. Also pictured is Sally Fuller of the Cherish Every Child Initiative and Beatrice Geary-Martone (cutting the ribbon). On the facing page, clockwise, from bottom, children from the Arbors Kids at Mason Wright in Springfield romp at Barrows Park; cleanup efforts at Kenefick Park were sponsored by Baystate Children’s Hospital; employees at Peter Pan Bus Lines volunteered to spruce up Forest Park in Springfield (Peter Picknelly Jr., who served as co-chair of the event along with his wife, Melissa, is seen in the background).

An Important Lesson in Teamwork

By
Opinion

They call them ‘soft’ skills.

That’s the term applied to most non-technical skills associated with employment situations. These include communications, teamwork-building capabilities, listening, even dress and punctuality.

These are often overlooked at a time when employers are struggling to find people who have the requisite technical skills to run today’s high-tech manufacturing equipment or read an X-ray. But those soft skills are critical in every job and for every business, and like those aforementioned hard skills they are often missing from the equation among those seeking employment in the Pioneer Valley.

Which is why we’re encouraged by programs like that created by Junior Achievement of Western Mass. Inc. for area high school students, but also the companies that may employ them someday. Called the Workforce Readiness & Career Preparation Project, the initiative (see story, page 35) has a number of different components. Together, they address concerns and issues ranging from awareness of career opportunities at area businesses to the importance of education in seizing those opportunities, to those aforementioned soft skills.

The program, now in its second year and involving more than 1,300 students at two Springfield high schools, is a good example of how the business community can work together with groups like JA to help improve the quality and quantity of this region’s workforce — and must do so if this all-important economic development issue is to be addressed.

As we’ve said before, workforce development is a broad, complex, often-frustrating issue that, to be properly addressed, requires some vision and patience — in equal doses. That’s because the answers, and the solutions, don’t some quickly or easily. In some cases, steps taken today may not yield results for five, 10, or even 20 years down the road. But they still have to be taken.

Which brings us to the JA workforce-readiness program, which continues a tradition that the organizations started nearly 90 years ago to “teach kids how business works.” In years past, this assignment traditionally involved going into a high school and setting up a company making night lights or some other product.

This exercise would provide lessons in everything from budgeting to marketing; management to sales. JA still conducts such programs within the area, but recently, it was informed that it had more work to do.

Indeed, after querying area business owners about the problems and issues confronting them — and about how JA might address them — administrators in the Springfield office heard that young (and some not-so-young) people lacked many of those soft skills, some as apparently simple as showing up for work on time.

Discussions with business owners revealed that these matters were in no way simple, and that some requisite skills and attitudes needed to succeed in business and in life — matters once taken for granted — were now getting lost; the lessons were not being imparted in the home or classroom.

Using funds amassed through a challenge grant from MassMutual, the JA program is addressing these issues through in-class presentations, board games, and a job-shadowing program that gets young people out of the classroom and into the workplace. Through these initiatives, students learn about everything from credit and how to manage it to what an underwriter does and why one has to stay in school to become one.

It’s far too early gauge just how successful the JA program will be in addressing the concerns of area business owners. But this much we know already: workforce development is all-encompassing matter for this region, and that the process of improving quality and quantity will require that the business community and groups like JA practice teamwork — and not simply try to teach it.

This Workforce Readiness & Career Preparation Project provides some momentum to build upon.-

Privatization That Protects Taxpayer Interests

By
Opinion

The Mass. Turnpike Authority is broke, and state taxpayers are partially on the hook if it can’t pay the bills. Bridges are in woeful condition; the Commonwealth just agreed to borrow $3 billion to fix the nearly 600 of them categorized as “structurally deficient.”

Nationally, the Highway Trust Fund, which provides money for road and bridge projects, is tapped out. One recent proposal to keep it afloat would transfer billions from the deficit-ridden federal treasury.

Clearly, the days of funding highway projects with proceeds from state and federal gas taxes have come and gone. Higher-mileage vehicles, increasing use of alternative fuels, and reluctance to periodically raise gas taxes to keep up with inflation have produced an unsustainable system.

And if the nation is serious about renewable energy, independence from foreign oil, and reducing emissions, does it really want a funding system based on fossil fuels?

Governments have long looked to the private sector to fill funding gaps. Highway privatization can replace public debt with private capital, accelerate construction, and find innovative ways to reduce costs.

The most recent wave of privatization involves the long-term lease of a toll road to a private entity in return for a large up-front payment. The idea behind these so-called concessions is to give the private sector ‘skin in the game’ by creating an incentive to perform the maintenance on which government often skimps. Maximizing toll revenue, and recouping the initial payment, requires a well-maintained roadway.

When properly structured, concession deals can work for taxpayers. Indiana is investing all of the $3.85 billion it received for a 75-year lease of its 157-mile toll road in transportation infrastructure projects that will promote long-term growth, not using it to plug holes and go on a short-term spending spree. Privatization has been floated as an option to address the Turnpike’s financial woes. But there may be an even better way than the concession deals that are currently the rage.

A smaller up-front payment could be combined with annual payments to state or local government. Unless they get permission from their government partner, concessionaires would be prohibited from selling their equity in the transaction the way a financial institution might sell a mortgage. By giving taxpayers a seat at the table when decisions are being made, these changes would require the private sector to keep skin in the game for the length of the lease and discourage self-dealing and artificially inflated short-term profits.

This joint ownership model can be taken even further. Government is interested in providing maximum service for minimal cost; that gets people re-elected.

Business owes a fiduciary duty to its investors to maximize profits by collecting as much toll revenue as possible. Spending on maintenance and improvements, such as installing electronic tolling to cut travel times, is cost-effective only to the degree that it increases revenue.

If government wants service on the cheap and business wants profit, introducing a third class of road owners whose interest is in quality transportation — such as trucking and logistics companies and motorists — could balance the competing interests of government and private investors.

By themselves, new ownership models won’t solve our highway funding problems. We must create a system of user fees that relies on technology to collect revenue and manage demand.

Clearly, a system funded by gas taxes is neither sustainable nor desirable in the 21st century. Throughout the nation’s history, the private sector has played a critical role in the construction and maintenance of transportation assets. The time has come to forge new partnerships that serve a changing public interest.

Joseph M. Giglio is a professor of Strategic Management at Northeastern University’s College of Business Adminis-tration. Charles Chieppo is the principal of Chieppo Strategies, a public-policy writing and advocacy firm.

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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

ACCGS Breakfast Club

Sept. 3: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield will conduct its first Breakfast Club for the 2008-09 season at 7:15 a.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. William M. Pepin, vice president and general manager of WWLP TV22, will present “Digital Television Transition and How It Will Affect You and Your Business.” Additionally, Allan W. Blair, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., will present an “Economic Snapshot Look at the Regional Economy.” For reservations and more information, call Diane Swanson, events manager, at (413) 755-1313, or via E-mail at [email protected].

WP Program

Sept. 10: Speaker Sasha ZeBryk will present “3 Wicked Ways to Win Over an Audience” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in West Springfield, sponsored by the Women’s Partnership, an affiliate of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. The event is open to the public with advance registration required. The cost is $25. For reservations and more information, call Diane Swanson, events manager, at (413) 755-1313, or via E-mail at [email protected].

Book Signing, Free Power-coaching Sessions

Sept. 10: Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach J. Sheldon Snodgrass, MBA, one of the featured authors in the new book, Guerrilla Marketing on the Front Lines: 35 World Class Strategies to Send Your Profits Soaring, will be signing books and explaining how local business owners can apply the same low-cost methods presented in the book to overcome their most vexing marketing challenges. Sheldon will lead free, 45-minute power-coaching sessions at the Northampton Chamber of Commerce office for eight businesses at a time, from 9 to 11 a.m., and again from 3 to 5 p.m. For more information, call Snodgrass at (413) 244-2294.

Big E

Sept. 12-28: 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, tantalizing treats, animals, and the best of the old and new that fairgoers have come to expect and enjoy. The Fair opens Sept. 12, honoring the men and women of the armed services with Military Appreciation Day. All military personnel, immediate families, and veterans with ID will be admitted free on opening day. 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. Also, Cultura 2008, planned on Sept. 14, is a day dedicated to celebrating the many aspects of Hispanic culture, from food and art to music and dance. Musical performances by Latin artists will take place throughout the day at the Food Court. Salsa lessons and dance demonstrations will also be presented. Of course, 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. From milking cows to picking pumpkins, the Big E offers a wide variety of farm and outdoor 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 information, visit www.thebige.com.

Dinner Forum

Sept. 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].

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 entire series. For more information, call (413) 283-7091, or E-mail [email protected]. Space is limited and early registration is advised.

Step-Up-for-Kids Day

Sept. 16: Every Child Matters Education Fund (ECMEF), a nonprofit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C, whose mission is to make children a national political priority, is working to organize a Step-Up-For-Kids event on the capitol steps of all 50 states on Sept. 16. HCS Head Start Inc. will coordinate a Greater Springfield Step-Up-For-Kids event scheduled for that date on the steps of Springfield City Hall. This event will bring people together in the Greater Springfield area to show widespread public support for new investments in children and families. The desired outcomes of Step-Up-for-Kids Day are to raise public awareness of the needs of children in the Greater Springfield area and across the country and to make children a priority. For more information, call (413) 788-6522; [email protected].

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 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, the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas LLP will present an educational talk on how to be a savvier user of expert advisers. 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.

Allen, Timothy L.
Po Box 748
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Antonellis, Carl J.
106 Northridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Arcidiacono, Shawn R.
7 Homecrest Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Arnot, Jane P.
174 Butterworth Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Augustino, Christina R.
103 Gilman St
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Banks, Michael Anthony
9 Silver St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Bernier, Richard P.
Bernier, Christina A.
61 Prospect St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Bonilla, Osiris L.
143 Kimberly Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Brantley, Tyrone S.
Brantley, Sabrena M.
126 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Bushnik, Jennifer A.
28 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Clarke, Nancy A.
69 Lathrop St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Colwell, Richard Owen
Colwell, Louraine Doris
a/k/a Brunt, Louraine D.
17 Callender Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Currier, Jeremy L.
57 Cottage St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

David, Derek J.
173 S. Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Dearborn, Paula A.
104 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Dudley, Destiny Louise
108 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/08

Farrell, Vanessa R.
80 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/14/08

Flores, Jasmine Anna
605 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Flowers, Larry G.
470 Memorial Dr., Apt.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Fowler, Eric
17 Vail St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Frazier, Ernest W.
116 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/08

Gautreau, Phillip R.
222 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Gentile, Michael M.
Gentile, Calli A.
27 Shirley St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/08

Gerasimchuk, Nikolay
Gerasimchuk, Nadezda
a/k/a Gerasimchuk, Nadezhola
54 Grenier Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Gerber, Stuart M.
20G Halifax Court
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Grout, Kathryn J.
39 East Mrytle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/08

Gullage, Linda A.
312 Adams Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Hernandez, Antonio
Hernandez, Lizette
137 Kimberly Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Higgins, Elliott
Higgins, Debbie
519 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Hopkins, Bruce D.
Hopkins, Lori L.
3618 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Hopkins, Wayne T.
330 North Brookfield Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Houle, Travis J.
Houle, Teresa B.
a/k/a Kozlakowski, Teresa B.
5 Raymond Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Hunkins, Jeff A.
P. O. Box 489
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/12/08

Hurwitz, Michael E.
20 Elizabeth Circle
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Inserra, Tammy Josephine
131 Ashley Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Izyk, Richard J.
48 Biela St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Kreuzer, Sharon A.
a/k/a Dionne, Sharon
47 Warren St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Kuntz, Lawrence G.
173 Pine Grove Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

  

Lajeunesse, Bruce D.
46 Palmyra St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Lalumiere, Mark E.
147 Beesley Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Lamagdeleine, Darryl
91 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Lillie, Mark K.
195 Dalton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Lizana, Ora C.
a/k/a Huddleston, Ora
a/k/a Lizana, Ora B.
52 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/09/08

Longo, Barbara Ann
85 Doane Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Lopez, Wilfredo
111 Wollaston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Loughran, Catherine M.
a/k/a Grosse, Catherine M.
95 Park Ave. Court #19
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Mahoney, Ramona M.
4 Phelps Ave., Apt. 3
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Maloney, Mary C.
11 Maplelawn Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/08

Mullen, Meghan P.
110 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Olson, Eric W.
Olson, Jane
98 Pleasant Hill Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/08

O’Neill, Edward H.
O’Neill, Nancy A.
20 Miner St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/10/08

O’Quinn, Aaron M.
O’Quinn, Marie C.
a/k/a Garcia, Marie C.
813 Berkshire Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Parkin Design
Parkin, Karan E.
56 Harvard St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Pasini, Robert M.
111 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/08/08

Pettibone, Cindy L.
a/k/a Foote, Cindy L.
1057 North Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Ramirez, Pedro R.
Ramirez, Nathilda
4 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Robinson, Richard Allan
Robinson, Patricia Anne
119 Connecticut Ave.
W. Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Rodriguez, Miriam
100 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/08

Rondeau, Thomas P.
52 Kenwood Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/03/08

Rusciano, Joseph R.
Rusciano, Keri A.
1068 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/07/08

Santiago, Maria C.
34 Osgood St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Sawyer, Jennifer C. G.
a/k/a Tibbo, Jennifer C.
10 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

Simmons, Aretha
192 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Soriano, Narcisa
215 Suffolk St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/01/08

St. Lawrence, Ronald H.
382 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Stratford, Richard James
30 Greenleaves Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Tallis, Karen C.
276 Prospect St Extension
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Thivierge, Michael R.
140 Union St., Unit 49
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Torrey, Jason A.
Torrey, Tricia A.
19 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/05/08

Vega, Alfredo
55 Horace St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/02/08

Williams, Barrington
Williams, Peggy A.
26 Claremeont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/11/08

Williams, David E.
31 Bryant St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/15/08

Woodruff, Joseph M.
Woodruff, Melissa B.
149 Elizabeth Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/08/08

By
Departments

New Workforce- development Plan Launched

SPRINGFIELD — Highlighting a continued commitment by the Patrick Administration to help revitalize Springfield, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump recently joined city officials to launch a new comprehensive Workforce Development Plan. Bump announced $1.275 million in new workforce-development funding, $750,000 of which directly targets the city of Springfield in support of its workforce plan. The funding includes a $475,000 Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant to Baystate Medical Center to increase pathways for lower-skilled incumbent workers by providing certified-nursing-assistant and acute-care training to 10 incumbent workers and 45 external candidates. Additionally, $475,000 in Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund grant money will be given to the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County to provide 185 participants with access to education and training in early-childhood education with a focus on helping women, minority, non-English-speaking, and economically disadvantaged candidates. In related news, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno will present a proposal to the Springfield Financial Control Board to consider expanding job opportunities to East Longmeadow’s Garden Industrial Park. The control board will make the final decision on the proposal.

State Labor Market Report Reveals Springfield Lags State in Job Growth

BOSTON — The state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development recently reported that preliminary estimates show lower unemployment rates over the month in 11 of 22 Massachusetts labor market areas. Strong seasonal hiring resulted in the largest unemployment-rate declines in the Barnstable, Pittsfield, Tisbury, and Nantucket labor market areas. Over-the-year gains were seen in the Framingham, Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, and Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner areas, with the Framingham labor market area recording the largest annual rate of growth. Job levels were off in the remaining labor areas, with the Springfield labor market seeing the largest job declines over the year. Statewide, the preliminary unadjusted unemployment rate edged down to 5.2% in July from 5.3% in June. Mirroring state and larger national trends, this rate is up from 4.7% one year ago. All 22 labor market areas recorded higher unemployment rates in July 2008 than in July 2007.

Gaming Report Addresses Economic Impacts, Employment

BOSTON — Spectrum Gaming Group recently presented an independent and comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of expanded gaming in the state, following Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal last September to authorize up to three destination resort casinos in Massachusetts. The study noted that each casino would create 3,000 construction jobs and 4,377 permanent jobs, and would add about $2 billion in goods and services to the state each year. Additionally, the study suggests that the casinos would hurt sales from the state lottery in the short term only. The study also noted that the effects of casinos on other businesses will be felt on merchants a relatively short distance from casinos, and would generate $596.7 million a year in total government revenues. Key facts from the study also suggest that the destination casinos could create serious demands on local police. The Mass. Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development is currently reviewing the gaming analysis.

Holyoke To Benefit From Implementation Grant

HOLYOKE — Mayor Michael J. Sullivan and City Historian Kate N. Thibodeau recently announced that the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded a grant of $399,950 to the City of Holyoke and Wistariahurst Museum to develop a city-wide exhibit and heritage tourism plan called Creating Holyoke. Thibodeau noted that the grant also encompasses collaboration with Holyoke Heritage State Park, the Children’s Museum at Holyoke, the Holyoke History Room of the Holyoke Public Library, and Enchanted Circle Theater. Creating Holyoke’s total budget of $692,970 will allow Wistariahurst Museum and partner organizations to finalize collaboration with humanities scholars and advisers, finish design and fabrication of long-term museum exhibits in three locations, install walking/driving tour panels and way-finding signs, develop teacher guides and curriculum materials, develop a website portal, and implement community programs in the humanities. For more information, contact Thibodeau at (413) 322-5660, or e-mail [email protected].

Initiative to Improve Connecticut River Underway

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Five partner organizations in three states — Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont — recently kicked off a multi-year, $1.4 million project to improve the Connecticut River by addressing bacterial-pollution problems, storm water, combined sewer overflows, riverbank erosion, agricultural runoff, and pollution from growth and development. The project is funded by a $953,000 Targeted Watershed Initiative grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, matched by $458,000 in local funding commitments. The project is led by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and major partner organizations include the Connecticut River Joint Commissions, Franklin Regional Council of Governments, UMass Water Resources Research Center, and U.S. Geological Survey, as well as 18 other cooperating partners.

PPC Headquarters Moves

SPRINGFIELD — The Paperboard Packaging Council recently relocated its national headquarters to the Sovereign Bank building at 1350 Main St. The trade group closed its former offices in Alexandria, Va., on Aug. 11. As part of the transition, PPC is integrating its management, marketing, communications, data, and industry-analysis operations. For more information, visit www.ppcnet.org.

Venture-capital Investment Holds Steady at $7.4 Billion

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Venture capitalists invested $7.4 billion in 990 deals in the second quarter of 2008, according to the MoneyTree Report from Pricewater-houseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Assoc., based on data provided by Thomson Reuters. Quarterly investment activity was essentially flat compared to the first quarter of 2008, when $7.5 billion was invested in 977 deals. Growth in the clean-technology and Internet-specific sectors contributed to the solid level of investing seen in the quarter. The software industry gained top billing as the number-one industry sector in terms of deals and dollars in the second quarter with $1.25 billion going into 219 deals. The number of deals is nearly double the next-highest sector, which was biotech, with 111 deals for the quarter. Industrial/energy companies captured the second-highest level of funding in the second quarter with $1.2 billion being invested in the industry, pushing biotechnology out of the top two for the first time since the second quarter of 2003. The life-sciences sector (biotechnology and medical devices combined) saw a 14% drop in venture-capital investing in the second quarter with $1.9 billion going into 209 deals, a 9% drop in deals from the first quarter of 2008. In related news, U.S.-based venture capitalists invested $583 million into 47 deals in China, nearly doubling investment from the first quarter, when $296 million went into 34 deals. Investments into India by U.S. venture capitalists also jumped, rising 27% to $473 million going into 40 deals, compared to the $373.3 million going into 40 deals in the first quarter.

Newsrooms Change with Times

NEW YORK — The American daily newspaper of 2008 has fewer pages than three years ago, the paper stock is thinner, and the stories are shorter, according to a study recently released by the Project for Excellence in Journalism. Titled “The Changing Newsroom: What Is Being Gained and What Is Being Lost in America’s Daily Newspapers,” the report stresses that there is less foreign and national news, and less space devoted to science, the arts, features, and a range of specialized subjects. Additionally, business coverage is either packaged in an increasingly thin stand-alone section or collapsed into another part of the paper. The study also noted that while the crossword puzzle has shrunk and the TV listings and stock tables may have disappeared, coverage of some local issues has strengthened, and investigative reporting remains highly valued. Despite an image of decline, more people today in more places read the content produced in the newsrooms of American daily newspapers than at any time in years. The study notes that, as revenues continue to tumble, editors expect the financial picture only to worsen, and they have little confidence that they know what their papers will look like in five years. The study captures an industry in the grip of two powerful, but contradictory, forces. On one hand, financial pressures sap its strength and threaten its survival. On the other, the rise of the Web boosts its competitiveness, opens up innovative new forms of journalism, builds new bridges to readers, and offers enormous potential for the future. Amid the concerns and cutbacks, the study found that editors still sense their product is improving, not worsening, with more than 56% of editors reporting their news product is better than it was three years earlier.

By
Departments

Willie Ross School Undergoing Enhancements

LONGMEADOW — The Willie Ross School for the Deaf is undergoing major enhancements on campus that will include $125,000 in new computers and related technology for its classrooms, the installation of energy-efficient windows, and new playground equipment. School administrators are also in negotiations to purchase approximately 37,000 square feet of land behind its campus, which would be used as an educational tool for students. Louis E. Abbate, executive director, noted that the entire project should be completed by 2010, and notes that the school anticipates raising most of the money needed on its own.

Florence Savings Reaches $1 Billion in Assets

FLORENCE — John F. Heaps Jr., president of Florence Savings Bank, recently reported that the bank has reached a milestone, surpassing $1 billion in assets for the first time in its 135-year history. The bank’s total assets on June 30 stood at $1.1 billion, up $120 million or 12.4% from the corresponding period last year. The asset growth was the result of continued growth in the bank’s loan portfolio. Additionally, total loans ended the quarter at $671.1 million, up $62 million or 10.2% from June 2007 levels. The loan growth was spurred by residential mortgage loans which increased $48.5 million or 12.2%, and commercial loans that grew $16.7 million or 13.0% in the year-to-year comparison, according to Heaps. Total deposits were $742 million at the end of June, up $71.5 million or 10.7% from June 2007 levels. Heaps credits the deposit growth to the success of its Rewards Checking program, which accounted for $63.2 million of the deposit growth. Since its inception in March 2007, the bank has paid $4.5 million in interest to its Rewards Checking customers.

The Nut Lady Opens Store

AGAWAM — Joanne Attardi, founder and CEO of the Nut Lady, LLC, recently moved her business to a large commercial facility at 303 Springfield St. The store is open Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. Attardi founded her company in 1997 from one of her grandmother’s old recipes, and today she has expanded her offerings to include sugar and salt-free nuts. Attardi also notes that all of her products are gluten-free. For more information, contact Attardi at (413) 335-0126 or [email protected], or check out her vendor space at the upcoming Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

Burlington Coat Factory Partners with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

SPRINGFIELD — Employees of the Burlington Coat Factory in the city are joining with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in a company-wide initiative to help raise money for the organization that promotes blood-cancer research and awareness. The initiative, Light the Night Walk, runs through Nov. 28, and encourages shoppers to purchase a balloon icon to support the cause, according to Regina Nyman, store manager of the Burlington Coat Factory at 390 Cooley St. In addition, the store’s employees and local members of the community will be invited to join the Burlington Coat Factory team in a local Light the Night community walk. The balloon icons cost a minimum of $1 each. For more information about the company’s fund-raising efforts, contact Nyman at (413) 426-9327.

Century Center Is Putting on a Fresh Look

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Century Shopping Center has launched a comprehensive facelift project that includes façade and signage renovations to the 285,000-square-foot retail site. The project was undertaken to keep the site looking “fresh and up-to-date,” according to Century owner Andrew M. Cohen. He noted that the last renovation to the retail site was in 1988. Century tenants include T.J. Maxx, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Big Y, CVS, McDonald’s, Pet Supplies Plus, Bank of America, AutoZone, Party Warehouse, Casual Male, Rainbow Shops, Dot’s, and Payless Shoe. Cohen added that the renovations “will keep us at the top of our game in the face of the economic challenges now confronting the national economy.” The entire project, which will be completed in stages, is expected to take 90 days.

Big Y Opens in Wilbraham

SPRINGFIELD — A Big Y World Class Market opened June 26 at 2035 Boston Road in Wilbraham. New England Retail Properties Inc. of Wethersfield, Conn., is leasing the 63,850-square-foot site to Big Y. In this transaction, Matthew Halprin of New England Retail Properties, Inc. was the sole broker. Based in Springfield, Big Y employs more than 9,800 people in its stores, warehouses, and support centers.

Paychex Sponsors National Payroll Week

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Paychex Inc., a national provider of payroll and human-resource services with offices in the city, is once again a major sponsor of National Payroll Week, Sept. 1-5. Founded by the American Payroll Assoc., the annual event celebrates the relationship among millions of U.S. workers, their companies, and the payroll professionals who ensure that workers are paid accurately and on time. Paychex is also celebrating 401(k) Day on Sept. 5, which spotlights the importance of employer-sponsored profit-sharing and 401(k) plans.

Foundation Changes Name

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Home for the Elderly, one of the city’s oldest nonprofits, has changed its name to Mason-Wright Foundation. The donor-supported foundation operates the Mason-Wright Retirement Community, with a mission to serve low-income elderly men and women. The community on Walnut Street supports 118 assisted-living, dementia-care and independent-living units. For information, visit www.masonwrightfoundation.org.

Epstein Financial Moves Offices to Holyoke

HOLYOKE — At Epstein Financial Group, they’re not “fretting” over a short-term economic slowdown, according to Charlie Epstein, CLU, ChFC, AIF. In fact, Epstein notes that the firm is “confident” about what the future holds. Epstein added that the firm is growing and adding new staff, and recently moved to a larger space in the People’s Bank building at 330 Whitney Ave. For more information, visit www.epsteinfinancial.com.

Associates Receive National Awards

EAST LONGMEADOW — The culture at East Village Place centers on creating a community where residents can express themselves to fully experience and celebrate life. Recently, Watermark Retirement Communities recognized five associates from East Village Place, as well as the community itself, with “express your Self” awards, the Director of the Year Award, and the Principle Award, for their dedication, leadership, and creative efforts in fostering this philosophy. Wanda Isales, care attendant, received an award for express your Creativity. Annetta Webley, care attendant, received an award for express your Joy. The new “express” awards are part of Watermark’s express your Self program, which encourages both residents and associates to express their true selves. The awards are presented to associates who, by expressing their passion for creativity, leadership, compassion, and more, are acknowledged for their contribution to the East Village Place community. Bob Sheets, maintenance director, and Jessica Szczepanek, marketing director, received awards for Director of the Year, awarded to the director who has demonstrated leadership excellence by leading his or her community through a successful year. Lastly, Liz Davila, business office manager, has been awarded the Principle Award. The award is given to one individual in the entire Watermark company for his or her “supreme dedication” to upholding the Watermark operating principles.

FamilyFirst Bank Supports EQLT

WARE — FamilyFirst Bank’s community commitment to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s special programs for community investment in New England recently resulted in the award of a $1,000 grant to the East Quabbin Land Trust Inc. (EQLT). The program was established to recognize the importance of developing successful community-investment initiatives within partnerships between member institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations, according to FamilyFirst Bank President Michael Audette. Focused on the communities of Barre, Hardwick, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Oakham, Petersham, Ware, and West Brookfield, the EQLT is a local, not-for-profit group that works to permanently protect open space, including farms, fields, woodlands, and riverways, ensuring a high quality of life for generations to come. EQLT Executive Director Cynthia Henshaw said she is grateful for the recognition from FamilyFirst Bank of the important role that land conservation and stewardship play in supporting local communities. “Keeping farmland and forests open are tremendous boosts to our quality of life,” she said.

Southbridge Savings Closes Branches

SOUTHBRIDGE — Southbridge Sav-ings Bank announced recently that it is closing its branches in Amherst and West Springfield as a part of a strategic plan to focus on its core market area in Central Mass. The branch in Amherst is located in the Big Y Supermarket at 175 University Dr., while the West Springfield branch is located in the Big Y at 503 Memorial Ave. The bank’s branch in Palmer will remain open.

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

United Rentals Inc. v. Titan Roofing Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and negligence: $7,924.80
Filed: 7/24/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Advance Foam Recycling v. Advance Wire Solutions & Equipment
Allegation: Non-payment of judgment rendered: $50,685
Filed: 7/11/08

Charles Winston v. Commerce Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $43,000
Filed: 7/15/08

Heather Carpenter v. Francis Cannizzo, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: 180,000+
Filed: 7/10/08
Jeane Raudensky v. JGS Family Medical Care
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $104,423+
Filed: 7/09/08

Jeanette Rivera v. Chrysler LLC & Hampden Dodge Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and violation of consumer protection act: $17,000
Filed: 7/11/08

NAPA Auto Parts v. Midas-Ludlow
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $124,720.22
Filed: 7/11/08

William Moran v. City of Holyoke, Holyoke Fire Department, and David Lafond
Allegation: Discrimination: 100,000
Filed: 7/11/08

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Elizabeth Tap v. Holyoke Medical Center Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in leaving patient unattended in wheelchair while waiting for transportation, causing injury: $11,493.87
Filed: 7/16/08

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. v. Superior Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Allegation: Breach of equipment-lease agreement: $4,481.24
Filed: 7/22/08

Zap Electric Inc. v. Valley Home Improvement Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of electric services rendered: $4,484.49
Filed: 7/31/08

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

A & A Transport v. Nieroda Transport Inc.
Allegation: Damages stemming from defendant’s conversion of plaintiff’s trailer: $14,278.42
Filed: 6/27/08

Northwave America v. Ski In Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,611.44
Filed: 7/16/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Autoline Marketing Group, LLC v. Sarat Ford
Allegation: Breach of contract: $2,659.88
Filed: 5/08/08

Integrated Illumination Systems Inc. v. Ledlight Illuminated Signs, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $9,964.44
Filed: 7/23/08

Michael St. Andre v. Commerce Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $18,000
Filed: 5/07/08

Royal Harvest Foods v. Wellshire Farms Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $8,353.97
Filed: 5/08/08

Springfield Chiropractic Sports Rehab Center, LLP v. Premiere Insurance Co. of Mass.
Allegation: Failure to pay personal injury protection: $4,207
Filed: 5/08/08

United Rentals Inc. v. the Coastline Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services for various construction projects: $5,216.04
Filed: 5/08/08

By
Departments

Witalisz & Associates Inc. of Westfield announced the following:
• Bernadette Bain joins the firm as a Realtor/Consultant;
• Grace Sullivan joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor, and
• Barbara Petrucelli joins the firm as a Broker/Realtor.

•••••

Gary Gray has joined Morgan Stanley’s Global Wealth Management Group in Springfield as a Financial Advisor.

•••••

Suzanne Cappella of Holyoke and Patricia Bray of Monson have received top honors in lia sophia’s Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers program for outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism.

•••••

April M. Beston has been promoted to Branch Manager for Berkshire Bank’s Ludlow branch on Center Street. Beston is responsible for branch sales and operations, new business development, and educating customers on products and services offered by the bank.

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Lisa Patenaude has been named Partner at Meyers Brothers Kalicka in Holyoke. In addition to her work in the Health Care Services Division, she also works with clients in the manufacturing, real-estate, retail, construction, and personal-service industries.

•••••

Dr. David I. Peck attended the fourth annual International Assoc. of Comprehensive Aesthetics (IACA) conference recently in Orlando. Peck’s aesthetic dental case was recognized at the IACA for case success and was chosen by the Aesthetic Eye of the IACA to be displayed at the conference.

•••••

Berkshire Bank of Pittsfield announced the following:
• Eliot Chartrand has joined the bank as a Mortgage Originator and will work out of the Memorial Drive office in Chicopee, and
• Michael A. Mirski has been promoted to Vice President and Regional Branch Manager for the Pioneer Valley region. Mirski will be located at the bank’s Court Street, Westfield location.

•••••

Bryarly C. Lehmann of Bryarly Consulting LLC has been certified as an owner’s project manager by the Massachusetts School Building Authority after completing the authority’s certification process this June. Lehmann is certified to manage, in accordance with the law, all aspects of school-building renovations and new construction for an owner within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as funded by the MSBA.

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As part of its expansion into contract surety bonding to local construction firms, the FieldEddy Insurance network has hired Bruce Wilson as Account Executive.

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Dr. Sean Dacus joins South Deerfield Family Practice and certified family nurse practitioner Gail Blanchard in providing primary-care medicine for infants through seniors.

•••••

Florence Savings Bank announced the following:
• Kimberly L. Baker has been named Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Administration Officer;
• Douglas B. Baker has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the Williamsburg branch;
• Toby L. Daniels has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the Hadley branch;
• Sandra P. Smith has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager of the downtown Northampton branch;
• Beth M. Carr has been elected Vice President of Operations, and
• Thomas G. Conner has been elected Vice President and Branch Manager for the Easthampton branch.

•••••

Peg McDonough has joined Bank of America as a Reverse Mortgage Equity Loan Officer for Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. McDonough will specialize in educating seniors on the benefits of a reverse mortgage and help determine if it’s the right financial tool to meet their individual needs.

•••••

New Alliance Bank announced the following:
• Brandon E. Braxton has joined the firm as a Vice President in the bank’s business-banking unit, and will work out of the Park Avenue, West Springfield office, and
• David A. Chase has joined the firm as a Vice President in the bank’s business unit, also working out of the West Springfield office.

•••••

Michelle N. Theroux has been appointed Vice President of Clinical Services for the Center for Human Development.

•••••

Dr. John Tsongalis has joined Northampton Family Practice. He provides primary and preventative care to family members of all ages, from newborns to adults.

•••••

Jeffrey J. Trant has been named Director of Lighthouse. Trant will be responsible for the operational and strategic management of the program, as well as the promotion of strength-based recovery practices.

•••••

Dr. Steven Weinsier, a cardiologist with specialized training in peripheral vascular disease and coronary interventions, has joined Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s medical staff and Northampton Cardiology Associates.

•••••

Grace L. Smith has joined Webster Bank as a Residential Mortgage Officer serving the Greater Springfield market.

•••••

The National Assoc. of Workforce Development Professionals announced the election of Keith Hensley, Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development at Holyoke Community College, to its board of directors.

•••••

Lisa Christie has been honored for her client service excellence in her work at the branch office of Norm Stafford in South Hadley.

•••••

The Scuderi Group of West Springfield has named Bill Wrinn as Director of the company’s global marketing and communications initiatives. Wrinn is responsible for building awareness of the Scuderi Group and the company’s Air-Hybrid Engine to the automobile industry and the investment and business communities worldwide.

•••••

Human Resources Unlimited of Springfield has appointed Aimee Bell as Transportation Manager. Bell is a National Safety Council Defensive Driving certified instructor.

•••••

Jennifer DeMoe has joined the staff of United Bank as Vice President of Finance.

•••••

The Mass. Supreme Judicial Court appointed Jacqueline E. Farrow to a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. Farrow is employed by the Stavros Center for Independent Living, where she serves on the Advocacy Committee.

•••••

Gerri Hedblom has joined Park Square Realty’s Westfield office as a Sales Associate. Hedblom has more than five years experience in the local real-estate market, specializing in residential listings and sales.

•••••

PeoplesBank has announced that Janice Mazzallo, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, has graduated with honors from the American Bankers Association’s National School of Banking at Fairfield University.

•••••

Thomas M. Cleary Jr., D.D.S., has joined the dental practice of Thomas M. Cleary, D.M.D., of Easthampton.

•••••

Michael and Traci Connors, owners of Sir Speedy at 1441 Main St., Springfield, announced they were recently honored with a Sir Speedy Century Club Award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes Sir Speedy’s top 100 centers by sales, placing Sir Speedy of Springfield in an elite group of franchises represented worldwide.

•••••

Jewish Geriatric Services announced the following:
• Laurie Lipscomb Alves, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing, was awarded Wound Care Certification granted by the National Alliance of Wound Care;
• Donna Campbell has been honored as a 2008 Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation Scholarship recipient;
• Gina Francis-Wilson has been honored as a 2008 Massachusetts Long Term Care Foundation Scholarship recipient;
• Diana Thamage-Kibodya has been appointed Resident Service Coordinator at Genesis House – Housing for Independent Seniors, and
• Moira Chiusano will serve as a Social Worker at the Wernick Adult Day Health Care Center.

•••••

Franklin County Home Care has named Terrie Edson, R.N., as its Program Director of the Men’s Health Partnership and Women’s Health Network.

•••••

Lisa K. Reilly, APR, Assistant Vice President of Advertising and Public Relations for the Retirement Services Division of MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, has completed the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, allowing her to use the APR professional designation.

•••••

Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Schapiro has joined Baystate Neurology in Springfield. He specializes in the treatment of tumors, spine and pediatric neurosurgery.

•••••

Heather Johnson has earned membership with the National Association for College Admission Counseling. She is an educational consultant specializing in boarding school and college guidance. She is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and a member of the New England Association of College Admission Counselors.

•••••

Primary care physician Dr. Ritika Bhatt has joined Baystate Medical Practices in Springfield.

OPINION

By
Opinion
Creating a State of Diversity in Massachusetts

‘Inclusion Incorporated’ is an excellent phrase for the new world of hiring and workforce development being faced by corporations and other organizations throughout New England every day.

The cover story with that title in the July 21 edition of BusinessWest focuses tellingly on the many factors that make diversity an economic imperative — a subject that is now urgently discussed in business schools and boardrooms, and would be even if it weren’t so prominent on the political pages.

As Lorie Valle-Yanez of MassMutual pointed out in that story, with Baby Boomers beginning to retire, organizations will need to find large numbers of new employees in the next few years, and they will be recruiting from a pool that is much more diverse than the group checking out. Workplaces that give a cold shoulder to employees of color will soon find themselves short of talent.

One big problem for Massachusetts is its reputation as a place that doesn’t welcome diversity. College recruiters, corporate human-resources directors, and others repeatedly find that talented people of color from other parts of the country are reluctant to locate here. The problem reached its peak during the bitter court-ordered busing conflicts in Boston in the 1970s, but it was simmering for decades before that. And it persists.

Commonwealth Compact, a statewide program, was launched earlier this year to face the problem squarely and turn it around. The stated goal is to make Massachusetts a location of choice for people of color. This is no small ambition, we know. But the response has been so positive, so broad, and so fast that we are encouraged to hope real progress can be made.

Driving our project is the belief that diversity is more than a moral or social issue. Real inclusion of all kinds of people, at all levels of organizations, is absolutely crucial if they hope to thrive in our shrinking world.

Together with a group of more than 50 advisors from all segments of the community, and with the support of Gov. Patrick, the group’s creators agreed to confront honestly the question of how much of the state’s poor reputation is a leftover from busing and how much is still deserved; build on the work of other groups in the field, collaborating to expand their efforts and not competing; and rally a statewide community response.

One first step was a survey by the McCormack School last year of more than 300 boards of directors. It found that 95% of members were white and 87 male in corporations, with numbers only slightly better for non-profit organizations. Other indicators were also discouraging: for instance, in paired tests of couples seeking housing, nearly half of those of color received fewer options or inferior financing.

Commonwealth Compact’s Bench-marks Initiative seeks to encourage organizations of all kinds to respond with individual actions that could be very powerful collectively.

Specifically, organizations are asked to measure annually their own diversity on a detailed list of 25 benchmarks, ranging from board membership through the workforce — including retention and promotion rates vs. white males — to policies relating to customers and suppliers. Individual information is confidential, but the data will be aggregated and reports issued. The object is improvement over time. To date, 125 organizations have signed on, including Staples, Raytheon, John Hancock, Harvard, MIT, UMass, Partners Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

This strong response shows an enormous and heartening appetite to make real progress. To build further, Commonwealth Compact is preparing an online talent database of people of color, and a clearinghouse to connect people with ongoing agencies, programs, and events.

We encourage organizations from all over the state to join the effort, so that inclusion really can be incorporated.-

Robert Turner is the director of the Commonwealth Compact; (617) 287-5579.

By
Departments

Lessons in Teamwork

Michelle Abdow, left, and Janet Casey, principals with Market Mentors LLC, a full-service marketing firm based in West Springfield, take time out to pose with Red Sox players Kevin Cash, left, and Tim Wakefield while shooting a TV commercial in Boston for one of their clients, St. Germain Investments. Market Mentors is the exclusive booking agent for Cash and has access to athletes in a variety of professional sports organizations.  

Down to a Science

Below, Shavonna Johnson, Kayla Johnson, and Amelia Gonzales send the robots they built and programmed into a maze, as part of a week-long Robotics Camp at Springfield Technical Community College. The camp introduced middle-school children to education for high-paying careers in engineering technologies. At right, Danielle Miles, Tyeisha Prophet, and Tyles Graves set up a robot display to greet guests at the camp’s open house. The free camp program at STCC was funded by the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County.

Code Green

Kurt Rockstroh, president and CEO of Steffian Bradley Architects, recently addressed Baystate Medical Center employees and media members on the various ways in which Baystate’s $259 million “Hospital of the Future” project will use environmentally friendly techniques in both construction and operation. The expansion project will incorporate, among other things, a ‘green roof’ park-like area accessible to patients and employees; energy-efficient systems for lighting, heating, and cooling the facility; and large-scale recycling of materials from the Porter-Harris building, which will be demolished to make way for the expansion.

Concerted Effort

STCU Credit Union, in partnership with STCC and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, staged a series of four free concerts this summer on the STCC Green. Each concert was sponsored by a different area radio station. The first concert, seen here, featured a local group, the Dan Kane Singers.

Workforce Plan Is Ambitious — but Achievable

By
Opinion

We’ve said this before, but it bears repeating.

The most significant economic development initiative taking place in the City of Homes — and this region, for that matter — isn’t riverfront development in Springfield. It’s not the former York Street Jail site or the Court Square project. It’s not South End revitalization or the so-called State Street Corridor project. It’s not the new industrial park at Smith & Wesson, nor is it Union Station. It’s not the ongoing marketing of the Knowledge Corridor, and it’s not the work to create so-called ‘green-collar’ jobs — although all those efforts are important.

No, the most critical economic development work happening at the moment is a multi-faceted undertaking called Building a Better Workforce — Closing the Skills Gap on the Road to Economic Resurgence, and if it doesn’t make the headway its planners anticipate, then none of those other projects really matter.

That’s because workforce quality and quantity are the most pressing issues facing Greater Springfield today. Improvement in both is absolutely necessary if existing companies are going to be able to grow and prosper, if new businesses can be attracted to this region, and if new industry clusters, such as sustainable energy and the biosciences, can be developed here.

Knowing this, area civic and economic development leaders came together late last year with a mission to craft a strategic plan to stabilize and improve the workforce for today and, especially, tomorrow. The first steps in this ambitious initiative were announced late last month, and by all accounts they appear destined to do what the plan’s authors want — create some quasi-immediate results while also generating much-needed momentum for what will be a massive undertaking.

Building a Better Workforce has four main strategic initiatives: establishing universal pre-kindergarten; improving youth education proficiency and career awareness; increasing adult literacy education services; and increasing technical training in high-growth/high-demand industry sectors. The initial steps announced last month address all four, and include a project within the health care sector to increase career pathways for both incumbent workers and external candidates; an endeavor to create opportunities for education and training for those involved with early-childhood education or looking to enter that field; internships, mentoring, and year-round learning opportunities for disadvantaged students (a project funded by several area companies), and efforts to improve adult basic education.

These first steps are being taken out of an awareness that most of Springfield’s workforce-related problems stem directly from high poverty rates and equally high drop-out rates at the city’s high schools. Breaking the cycle of poverty and keeping people in school are the primary directives.

Building a Better Workforce organizers have identified projects that will help bolster early-childhood-education programs — a recognized ingredient in the broader effort to develop learning skills that will enable individuals to compete in a global economy — and also help clear some of those ‘career pathways’ mentioned by all those involved.

The health care initiative, for example, is designed to enroll some lower-skilled workers, such as housekeepers and food-service employees, in a training program to become certified nursing assistants in an acute-care setting. This step up the career ladder is intended to give those individuals involved some confidence, as well as exposure to higher-paying health care positions they will hopefully aspire to.

It all looks good on paper — as do the other first steps in this three-year, $13 million program. As they talked about this plan and its components, those gathered at a recent City Hall press conference used words like ‘ambitious,’ ‘aggressive,’ and ‘critical’ to describe it. But they also used the terms ‘realistic’ and ‘achievable.’

Let’s hope they’re right, because, as Bill Ward, director of the Regional Employ-ment Board of Hampden County, told BusinessWest, Springfield is at a “tipping point” in terms of economic health and vitality. Steps must be taken to ensure that it tips the right way, and Building a Better Workforce appears to be off to a solid start toward accomplishing that mission.

By
Departments

Easthampton Savings Sees Steady Growth

EASTHAMPTON — William Hogan Jr., president and CEO of Easthampton Savings Bank, recently reported that the bank has continued to experience steady growth during the second quarter. Hogan noted that total assets increased $44 million from a year ago, which is an increase of almost $17 million over the last quarter. Additionally, total assets now stand at $781 million, with the bank experiencing a deposit gain of $52 million from a year ago. The bank’s loan portfolio — $586 million — also saw an increase of almost $11 million or 8% for the quarter and more than $35 million for the year.

Berkshire Hills Reports 25% Earnings Growth

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. recently reported a 25% increase in 2008 earnings to a second-quarter record of $5.7 million. Earnings per share increased by 6% to a second-quarter record of $0.55 compared to $0.52 in 2007. Additionally, Berkshire reported record six-month earnings of $11.8 million in 2008, which was an increase of 24% over the first half of 2007. First-half earnings per share were a record $1.13 in 2008, an increase of 6% over $1.07 in 2007. Berkshire is the parent of Berkshire Bank.

BSE Now Offers Hybrid Home-comfort System

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Berkshire Service Experts (BSE), a local heating and cooling service company, recently began offering a new hybrid home-comfort system that not only provides energy-efficient cooling in the summer months, but can also reduce heating bills in the winter. The new hybrid home-comfort system makes use of an electric heat pump, which is an all-in-one heating and cooling system. During the warmer months, the heat pump provides high-efficiency air conditioning, while in the winter, the pump is paired with a traditional natural gas, oil, or propane furnace to heat a home, automatically selecting the most energy-efficient fuel source — much like hybrid vehicles that use both gas and electricity. “Hybrid home-comfort systems using an electric heat pump are an effective solution for cooling and heating a home because they allow you to take advantage of the least expensive energy source available during peak usage times — whether it’s electricity, natural gas, or oil,” said Schley Warren, general manager of BSE. “In fact, New England homeowners living in an average, 1,500-square-foot home can save as much as $1,200 during the cold winter months, when the heat pump is matched with an existing forced-air oil furnace.”

Hampden Bancorp Reports Income Drop

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ — HBNK), which is the holding company for Hampden Bank, announced the results of operations for the three and 12 months ended June 30, 2008. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $191,000, or $0.03 per fully diluted share, compared to $658,000 for the same period in 2007. This decrease in net income was primarily the result of an increase in the provision for loan losses of $347,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase in the provision for loan losses is due to increases in loan delinquencies, increases in non-accrual loans, growth in the loan portfolio, and general economic conditions. For the three-month period ended June 30, 2008, net interest income increased by $245,000 compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2007. Non-interest income, including gains on sales of securities and loans, decreased by $124,000 compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2007. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, non-interest expense increased $304,000 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2007, which was primarily due to an increase in salary and employee benefit expenses, including expenses for the equity incentive plan of $252,000. Net income was $1.2 million, or $0.16 per fully diluted share, for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2008, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million for the 12-month period ended June 30, 2007. The reason for the net loss for the 12-month period in 2007 was the funding of the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation.

Silverscape Designs Named One of ‘Coolest’ Jewelry Stores

NORTHAMPTON — INSTORE magazine, a trade magazine for the U.S. jewelry industry, recently named Silverscape Designs to its list of coolest jewelry stores in the U.S. A panel of expert judges from the jewelry industry evaluated more than 117 entries and placed Silverscape Designs as number five on their list of ‘Big Cool’ stores (‘Big Cool’ is a store with more than 11 full-time employees.) In their published comments, the judges singled out the qualities of Silverscape’s Northampton, Mass. location at 1 King Street in a 1928 Art Deco bank building, calling it a “dramatic site and building” and the “set for a vintage movie.” Silverscape is the only store on the list located in New England.

STCC Offers New Water Remediation Program

SPRINGFIELD — Applications are now available for a new one-year certificate program titled ‘Water Remediation Technician’ at Springfield Technical Community College. Classes in the new program start in September and include English, water remediation, math, chemistry, occupational safety, drinking and industrial water processes, biology, and computers. Graduates of the certificate program may pursue state certification in an area such as wastewater treatment. United Water is currently offering a $500 scholarship for Springfield residents enrolled in the program. For more information, call the Admissions Department at (413) 755-3333 or visit www.stcc.edu.

Wind-farm Financing Tops $14M

HOLYOKE — A new $8 million loan agreement with the Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corp. brings PeoplesBank’s support of renewable energy to $14.5 million since last December, according to Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank. The financing has allowed the cooperative to acquire the assets of a proposed 15-megawatt wind project in the Berkshires and will be used for deposits on the 10 1.5-megawatt wind turbines to be constructed on the site. Also, PeoplesBank recently announced $6.5 million in financing for a wind farm in Princeton. When completed, the Princeton wind farm will consist of two 1500-kilowatt wind turbines capable of generating the equivalent energy consumption of 800 homes. Other Peoples-Bank sustainable-energy projects include $6 million in financing to improve Holyoke Gas & Electric’s hydroelectric equipment and capacity. Bowen also noted that PeoplesBank is focusing internally on environmentally friendly initiatives. To date, the bank has dramatically improved the energy efficiency of some older buildings and plans to improve others.

Premier Realty Group Merges With Keller Williams Realty

LONGMEADOW — Premier Realty Group recently merged its East Longmeadow office into the Keller Williams Realty office in Longmeadow. Michael Robie, principal broker and owner of Premier Realty Group for 17 years, said he merged with Keller Williams Realty because of its “agent-centric business model.” Robie added that Keller Williams’ focus on cutting-edge training, profit sharing, and wealth-building opportunities piqued his interest.

Tri-State CDL Training Center Moves to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — An eight-acre training facility at 255 Liberty St. is the new home for Tri-State CDL Training Center Inc., formerly of Holyoke. Tri-State offers classroom and field training as well as on-site testing and job-placement assistance to individuals pursuing a career in the trucking industry. The company, owned by Anne and Morgan Finn, is a member of the National Safety Council and the American Trucking Assoc. The Finns note that their state-of-the-art training center is the largest tractor-trailer training facility in New England.

STCC Awards 30,000th Degree

SPRINGFIELD — More than 30,000 degrees and certificates have been awarded by Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) in its 41-year history. At its recent commencement, STCC honored the men and women who earned those degrees, and recognized the 30,000th degree recipient, Jessie Fisher of West Springfield, graduating from the Nursing program. STCC President Ira Rubenzahl noted that, while STCC’s career-focused academic offerings attract students from across the region and surrounding states, the majority of the students hail from Greater Springfield. “Because our students live here, after graduation they stay here,” he said, adding those students contribute to the local economy, staffing hospitals and industry, starting new businesses, and the like. STCC has awarded 8,551 degrees or certificates in nursing and allied health fields; 7,619 in engineering technologies; 6,968 in business and information technologies; 932 in math, science, and engineering, and 6,197 in liberal arts and social sciences.

Country Bank Increases Income

WARE — Country Bank recently reported net income of $3.8 million in the first six months of the year compared with $2 million in income during the same period in 2007, an 82% increase. Bank officials noted that the increase was due to the Federal Reserve lowering the interest rate it charges for money. Deposits were also up $50 million, and the bank originated $130 million in new loans.

PaperRocks! Launched

AGAWAM — The Southworth Co. has begun offering a new brand of notebooks and paper products for students called PaperRocks!, and will donate thousands of dollars worth of the products to the Kids in Need Foundation. The foundation is based in Dayton, Ohio, and provides school supplies to underprivileged children. Paper-Rocks! notebooks and filler paper are color-coded and have places for students to write in the date and subject matter.

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

Titan Roofing Inc. v. Monaco Restorations Inc. & Paul Monaco
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $5,000
Filed: 7/03/08

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Denis Menard v. Town of Greenfield
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay police officer benefits: $125,000

Jeffrey Hoyt v. First Light Power Resources Inc.
Allegation: Improper wiring of equipment causing electrocution: $273,000+
Filed: $6/26/08

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

James J. Sawicki v. Commonwealth Construction
Allegation: Breach of contract for home repairs: $4,365
Filed: 6/20/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Bobby-Jo Murray v. American International College
Allegation: Breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and deceit occurring when defendant expelled Murray: $45,000
Filed: 6/11/08

Celly Jonocha v. Transportation Advisor Inc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 6/13/08

Christopher and Elizabeth Comey v. Landmark Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and warranties in sale and installation of swimming pool: $35,000
Filed: 6/30/08

Mary Lou Sanborn v. D & S Construction, LTD
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $26,216.06
Filed: 6/12/08

Quality Machine Solutions Inc. v. Hyundai-Kia Machine America Corporation
Allegation: Breach of contract: $1,000,000
Filed: 6/09/08

United Steel Inc. v. Celestial Praise Church of God Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and failure to pay for design services and custom steel fabrications: $205,000
Filed: 6/06/08

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

M.A. Alexander Inc. v. Medical Specialties Group LLC
Allegation: Breach of business purchase-and-sale agreement: $46,000
Filed: 6/24/08

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Larry Giambrone v. The Donut Man
Allegation: Negligent maintenance causing slip and fall: $14,199.92
Filed: 6/12/08

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Verizon New England Inc. v. Caracas Construction Corp.
Allegation: Negligent performance of excavation causing damage: $15,408.54
Filed: 6/15/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Bobcat of CT Inc. v. Northeast Timber Company
Allegation: Non-payment of rental agreement: $12,127.50
Filed: 3/28/05

Bradco Supply Company v. Atlas Roofing & Skylight Company
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,034.09
Filed: 3/18/08

Eastern Lumber & Millwork Inc. v. Siller Home Improvement
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,146.96
Filed: 4/30/08

Michael Sarkis v. John Mastronardi & Sons
Allegation: Breach of contract to remove and replace driveway: $20,000
Filed: 7/03/08

North Pacific Group Inc. v. Home Lumber Company Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $20,524.68
Filed: 3/28/08

Ivey Industries Inc. v. Jay’s Welding & Steel Fabrication
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,460.34
Filed: 6/19/08

United Refrigeration Inc. v. E.P. Letendre Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $4,089.14
Filed: 3/31/08

United Rentals Inc. v. American Pile Driving & Construction Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services for various construction projects: $49,616.31
Filed: 3/25/08

U.S.A. Hauling & Recycling Inc. v. Affordable Waste Management
Allegation: Breach of contract for waste removal services: $28,176.81
Filed: 3/17/08

W.B. Mason Inc. v. Advanced Back & Neck Center of Massachusetts, P.C.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,646.64
Filed: 5/28/08

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Barbara A. Fontaine v. Friendly Ice Cream Corp.
Allegation: Slip and fall: $20,000
Filed: 6/18/08

By
Departments

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

AMHERST

Amherst Style, LLC
143 Gray St.
Sarah Auerbach

Cat’s Eye Production
27 Montague Road
Catherine Stryker

Wireless Hook-ups
18 N. Pleasant St.
Jesus Rigueiro

Zx Inc.
135 Belchertown Road
Xiauda Xiao

CHICOPEE

Action Cleanout And Removal Services
163 Monroe St.
Joseph A. Perez

Gutter Shutter Company
1512 Memorial Dr.
Adam Quenneveille

Kat Prints
75 Sheridan St.
Karen A. Tillman

EASTHAMPTON

CC Ventures
8 Arthur St.
Chad Gagne

Mike’s Autobody
152R Northampton St.
Michael Niedzielski

EAST LONGMEADOW

Berselli’s Truck Service
5 Acorn St.
William Berselli

Elements Therapeutic Massage
80 Center Square
John L. Pantera

Gibson Machine Company
36 Baldwin St.
Derek Gibson

Joe & Suzi’s Farmstand
362 Parker St.
Suzanne C. Beldon

GREENFIELD

Blue Lagoon Pools & Spas Inc.
6 French King Highway
Mike Hubbard

JLC Claims
7 Webster Ave.
Jennifer L. Cash

Meadows Golf Course
398 Deerfield St.
White Meadows LLC

RR + S Livery Service
27 Chapman St.
Irene Ramsdell

HADLEY

Cinemark
367 Russell St.
Hampshire Mall

Esselon Coffee Roasting Co.
99 Russell St.
Mark Krause

Little Bird Daycare
341 River Dr.
Stacy Mushinski

Midas Muffler
397 Russell St.
Barry Drucker

Mitch’s Marina
4 Mitch’s Way
Melba Broussard

LUDLOW

Lavoie Development Corporation
733 Chapin St.
David Lavoie

Oscar’s Pizza Restaurant, LLC
973 East St.
Lokman Yanbul

NORTHAMPTON

Club K
33 Hawley St.
Elizabeth J. Cole

Hampshire County Jail
205 Rocky Hill Road
Sheriff Robert Garvey

LV Style Inc.
1361 Westhampton Road
Lilian Valiunas

Mr. Handi’s Tailor & Tuxedo Rental
123 Hawley St.
Handi Yildiz

Underground Salon
151 Main St.
Deborah Droy-Stutz

Yankee Mattress Factory Inc.
104 Damon Rd.
Joseph Noblit

PALMER

Buddy’s Services Cities
1150 Park St.
Arthur D. Tripp Jr.

Chudy Industrial
184 Stimpson St.
John Chudy

Countryside Landscaping
6 Waverly St.
Matthew Rovelli

  

Coyer Construction
2124 Palmer Road
Justin Coyer

Milltown Ink Tattoo
3033 Main St.
Lance Ferrell

S&H Builders
3012 Cross St.
Stephen Burns

Sabos Landscaping
1201 Calkins Road
Scott Sabourin

Soliciters
2004 Calkins Road
Daniel Becker

Underground Operations
2002 Calkins Road
Austin Vadnais

SOUTHWICK

Karen Stone
320 College Highway
Karen Stone

SPRINGFIELD

Investment Property Group
3 Woodcliff St.
Eugene Isaak

Jupiter Consulting Group
97 Overlook Dr.
Moira Catherine

Leonard Viscito
1211 Boston Road
Leonard Viscito

Ludlow Floor Sanding
39 Frontenac St.
Steven Lauzon

New England Curb Appeal
191 Nursery St.
Francis David Noble

Omega Provision
21 Garvey Dr.
Jose E. Hernandez

Puerto Rico Bakery II
214 Armory St.
Jorge Perez, Jr.

Scopes Spot
876 State St.
Ricardo Brawner

Steve’s Cleaning Removal
249 Seymour Ave.
Stephen Edwards

Tas Logistics
524B Main St.
John Boucher

TD Banknorth
1800 Boston Road
John R. Opperman

Thanh Thuy Fashion
407 Dickinson St.
Yen Nguyen

Torres Painting
322 Union St.
Juan Torres

Unique Solutions
1104 State St.
Richard Badu Darkwah

Urban Outfitters
302 Belmont Ave.
Alexander Lebron

Valley Automotive Inc.
160 Taylor St.
John Lizak

WESTFIELD

C.P. Net Solutions
14 Raymond Circle
Chris Parent

IHB Services
29 Sunrise Ter.
Ivy Balch

Northside Creamery
40 Pleasant St.
Cassandra Adams

Richard & Martha Ochs Whip City Gallery
29 Noble St.
Richard A. Ochs, Jr.

Speed Queen Laundromat
207 Brookfield Lane
Ki Jin Lee

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Able Caning
15 Highland Park Dr.
Alice Zuvers

Annalisa Liquori Hairstylist
470 Westfield Road
Annalisa Liquori

Contained Within
136 Nelson St.
Celina McMahon

Rooms Direct
120 Memorial Ave.
Walter Mularski

St. Jean Plumbing & Heating
28 Squassick Road
Arthur A. St. Jean

TD Banknorth
969 Riverdale St.
John R. Opperman

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Agawam Eye Associates Inc., 656 Springfield St., Agawam 01001. Richard Gallerani, 1 Meadow Wood Dr., Suffield, CT 06078. Richard Gallerani, 656 Springfield St., Agawam, registered agent. Optometry services, eye care, and eye wear service.

BRIMFIELD

Maunsn Inc., Main St., Brimfield 01010. Shakeel Ahmed, 8 Osceola Lane, Longmeadow 01016. To operate a convenience store and gas station.

CHICOPEE

ABN Enterprises Inc., 1177 Granby Road, Chicopee 01020. Joe T. Alam, 16 East Main St., Westborough 01581. To operate one or more motor vehicle service stations selling gasoline, convenience items, etc.

Hope Everlasting Inc., 159 Casey Dr., Chicopee 01020. Robert Zygarowski, same. (Nonprofit) To provide services for underprivileged adults, children, and battered women, animal assistance, find shelters for the homeless, etc.

New England Pellet of Western Mass. Inc., 50 George St., Chicopee 01013. Richard R. Carbonneau, same. Purchase and sale of wood pellets for residential heating.

EASTHAMPTON

Epic Electric Inc., 21 First Ave., Easthampton 01027. Joseph J. Delaney, same. Electrical services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Peruvian Education Initiative Inc., 203 Canterbury Circle, East Longmeadow 01028. Romulo Cabeza, same. (Nonprofit) To provide for the specific educational needs of economically disadvantaged students in Peru.

Speedway Cars and Hobbies Inc., 89 Maple St., East Longmeadow 01028. Judith Dventhe, 111 Chestnut St., East Longmeadow 01028. Selling toy cars and boats, hobby toys.

GREENFIELD

Hamilton Home Health Inc., 489 Bernardston Road, Greenfield 01301. Ebony Hamilton Sterbinsky, same, president, treasurer, and secretary. Home health care.

HAMPDEN

Madhav Corp., 63 Somers Road, Hampden 01036. Magan Patel, same. Gas station with convenience store.

HOLYOKE

Marion Electric Inc., 394 Mountain Road, Holyoke 01040. Keith C. Marion, same. Any and all electrical work.

INDIAN ORCHARD

McLymont 2 Inc., 1236 Worcester St., Apartment 2l, Indian Orchard 01151. Alicia Elizabeth McLymont, same. Sales.

NORTHAMPTON

SYED Inc., 137 Damon Road, Unit #G, Northampton 02060. Atif Tasneem, same. Gasoline and convenience retail trading.

 

The Andanje Foundation Inc., 351 Pleasant St., Suite 180, Northampton 01060. Elly Dickson Tuti, same. (Nonprofit) To make distributions to need-based community establishments, public schools, places of worship in remote regions of developing countries in Africa, etc.

ORANGE

Nystrom’s Village Blacksmith Shop Inc., 125 South Main St., Orange 01364. William C. Mehr, Jr., same. (Nonprofit) To own and restore a historic blacksmith shop and forge in Orange, etc.

SPRINGFIELD

413 Production Inc., 141 Massachusetts Ave., Springfield 01109. Cleveland Wilson, same. (Nonprofit) Education in music production for youths engaged in the music industry.

Black Leadership Alliance Inc., 727 State St., second floor, Springfield 01109. Ronald A. Copes, 54 Blueberry Ridge, Westfield 01085. (Nonprofit) To build and strengthen the black community by addressing and positively impacting all quality of life issues, etc.

Charles in Charge Inc., 127 Lebanon St., Springfield 01109. Charles McNair, same. (Nonprofit) Interior decoration consultation for veterans and families.

Kiddo’s Transportation Inc., 3 Norfolk St., Springfield 01109. Rony Pena, same. School bus compamy.

RMO Real Estate Company Inc., 41 Tyler St., Springfield 01109. Rosita Otero, same. Real estate.

Tristate Mobile Inc., 364 Belmont Ave., Apartment 4, Springfield 01108. Jeremy Branco, same. (Nonprofit) To provide alternate consumer solutions for mobile solutions and free consultation and help choosing the right carrier and rate plans.

WESTFIELD

MJS Solutions Inc., 399 Falley Dr., Westfield 01085. Michael Simard, same. Marketing consultant to education providers.

Rory Farrell.com Inc., 37 Broad St., Westfield 01085. Rory M. Farrell, same. Internet Web design and related programing.

The Westfield Kiwanis Foundation Inc., 82 Broad St., Suite 2, Westfield 01085. Paul J. Hutchinson, 92 Glenwood Dr., Westfield 01085. (Nonprofit) To assist needy persons, particularly young people, in attaining vocational excellence, to aid handicapped persons, etc.

WESTHAMPTON

Yankee Home Improvement Inc., 109 Easthampton Road, Westhampton 01027. Gerard J. Ronan, same. To provide home improvements and construction.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AAA Pioneer Valley Auto Glass Inc., 150 Capital Dr., West Springfield 01089. Chris Mensing, 12 Echo Hill Road, Wilbraham 01095. Auto and auto glass repair.

Kevin B. Terrell DDS, P.C., 367 Memorial Ave., West Springfield 01089. Kevin B. Terrell, DDS, same. To engage in the practice of dentistry.

By
Departments

Another Max’s Classic

On July, more than 290 golfers competed over two area courses, Crestview Country Club and the Ranch, at the fifth annual Max Classic Golf Tournament, with proceeds going to benefit Baystate Health and its Children’s Hospital. The 2007 event brought in $162,000 to Baystate’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, with 2008 donations expected to exceed that amount. The major sponsor of this year’s event was New Country Motor Cars of Hartford. Pictured (clockwise, from left), are Donny Frost, left, general manager of New Country Motors, and Adam Quenneville, owner of Adam Quenneville Roofing; left to right, Ron and Brenna Sadowsky, Founders of the Max Classic tournament, Susan Toner, vice president of Development for the Baystate Health Foundation, and Jennifer Baril, major gifts officer for the Baystate Health Foundation; the winning foursome at Crestview Country Club: from left, John Joyce of Northwestern Mutual; Todd Hemenway, representative of Hitachi Data; Brice Craven, president of Johnson Packings; and C.J. Denmark, a student at Echert College.

Groundbreaking Developments

Groundbreaking ceremonies were staged July 29 at Westover Airpark West in Chicopee for a new 72,000-square-foot multi-tenant industrial complex, with an anchor tenant, a flooring-products distribution center, occupying 25,000 square feet. The remaining space will offer industrial rental units from 4,000 square feet and up and will be finished to suit for a variety of users. Development Associates of Agawam purchased the 7.6-acre site as a joint venture with an investor from Long Island, N.Y. This project is the 10th building to be developed at Westover by Development Associates and its 15th building in Chicopee. Doing the honors are, from left, Charles D’Amour, chairman of WMDC; Edward O’Leary, founding partner of Development Associates; Ken Vincunas, general manager and partner of Development Associates; Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette; and Kenneth Delude, senior vice president of Westover Metropolitan Development Corp. (WMDC)

Up, Up, and Away

Paul Sena, owner of Worthington Balloons in Worthington, Mass., takes the helm of his balloon, the Thunderbuster, during this year’s Green River Music and Balloon Festival in Greenfield. The festival is held on the Greenfield Community College grounds during one weekend each summer, and is organized by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Local and national companies serve as sponsors of the event, now in its 22nd year; this year’s local sponsors were Turn It Up records, Signature Sounds, 93.9 the River, Masslive.com, the VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Freedom Credit Union, AAA, and Greenfield Community College.

Making a Hit

Boston Red Sox Batting Coach Dave Magadan works in the indoor batting cage with Chicopee resident Christopher Axner, a player on the Sunshine Challenger Eagles Little League Team, as part of the recent CVS Caremark All Kids Can Baseball Camp. The camp is the result of a team endeavor between CVS and the Red Sox to provide New England children with disabilities a dream-fulfilling opportunity to play ball at Fenway Park.

Elevator Pitch

Visitors to the Mont Marie Health Care Center, an 84-bed skilled nursing facility sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, enjoy a more accessible entrance and a new elevator thanks, in part, to a contribution from PeoplesBank of Holyoke. The bank’s gift of $40,000 is part of its ongoing commitment to support charitable and civic organizations within the region. The recently completed construction project also includes a 36-space parking lot and an updated phone system. Additional donations, loans, and grants helped fund the project. Here, Mont Marie Health Care Center Administrator Sr. Elizabeth Sullivan (right) and Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield President Sr. Mary Quinn (center) thank PeoplesBank officials for their recent donation to the center. Representing PeoplesBank are, from left, Douglas Bowen, president and CEO; Susan Wilson, vice president; and Mary Meehan, vice president, Commercial Loans.

By
Departments

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

Abert, Aleah J.
343 chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Akalis Electric
Akalis, Stephen J.
Akalis, Paula M.
35 Roosevelt Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Arena, Barbara
15 Kerry Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

August Blue Moon
Hudson, Deborah J.
a/k/a Hudson-Gray, Deborah
2 Ring Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Barber, Becky M.
a/k/a Elliott, Becky M.
46 Western Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Batutis, Paul A.
Batutis, Sharon A.
519 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Becker, Helaine M.
636 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Bell, Darrick L.
a/k/a Coleman, Darrick L.
Bell, Laurie A.
a/k/a Christopher, Laurie A.
24 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Bernardo, Martha J.
15 Strong Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Buchanan, Mark David
Buchanan, Jennifer Lynn
a/k/a Goodyear, Jennifer L.
147 Eastwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Cady, David P.
Cady, Susan M.
159 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Cardone, John Joseph
142 Autumn St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Carosello, Richard
Carosello, Faith L.
19 Village Green
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/08

Chege, Peter Ndungu
Muthua, Jane Wanjiru
30 Kay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Chmiel, Richard
60 Clayton Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Collins-Rancourt, Joanne L.
124 Drew Blvd.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Cruz, Daniel
31 School St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

daCunha, Brian W.
33 Deslauriers St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Del Properties, LLC,
City Square Subway
Millbury Subway
Steinmetz, William H.
Steinmetz, Patricia A.
138 Carver St.
Granby,, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/08

Depault, Lisa J.
603 Barton Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Desantis, Paul R.
452 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/08

Diefenderfer, Mark Frederick
779 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Dufour, Michael R.
Dufour, Jennifer T.
615 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/08

Early, Scott Edward
Early, Suzanne M.
a/k/a LaCroix, Suzanne
1010 Maple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/08

Ely, Cindy L.
17 Myrtle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Finnegan, Robin V.
Finnegan, Bernard F.
88 Friend St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Gaudet, Dennis E.
41 Walnut Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Giampolo, Arthur
17 Barton St.
P.O. Box 247
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/26/08

Gilpatrick, Susan J.
233 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/08

Goodrich, Corey W.A.
87 Raymond Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/08

Govor, Nikolay
Govor, Yelena
770 Blanford Stage Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Green, Paris Y.
a/k/a Jewell, Paris
115 Samuel St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Greene, James
45 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Hall, Lisa R.
11 Littlle Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Hamel, Dominic Robert
Hamel, Amanda Louise
120 Merrill Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Hamel, Jane Leigh
Hamel, Leo Albert
166 King St.
Northhampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Hathaway, Roosevelt
29 Gay Street
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/08

Hill, Paul R.
Hill, Yelbix D.
127 Orange Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

  

Hodges, Thomas Allen
32 C Maple Crest Circle
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Houle, Barrie L.
64 Columbus Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Houle, Christopher J.
42 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Hunter, Shorrie R.
104 Johnson Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

Hussey, Thomas F.
421 North Main St.
Building 6, Unit 17A
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Imler, Shane P.
79 Lucia Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Jay’s Welding and Steel
Clarkson, Jeremiah J.
241 East Main S.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/18/08

Leclair, Jennifer M.
a/k/a Baldwin, Jennifer M.
5 Birch Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

LeClair, Susan M.
22 Orlando St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

Ljungberg, Mark D.
28 Clem Court
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/08

Matos, Isaias
19 Summit St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/08

Mayfield, Rodney Tyrone
Mayfield, Nusean Denise
a/ka/ Jessup, Nusean Denise
17 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

McLean, Richard H.
26 Pierce St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

Nehmer, Michele A.
76 Eastern Promenade St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Oldenburg, Roger W.
Oldenburg, Michelle E.
106 Valley Brook Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/08

Oliver, Zhu/Twoli Ylang-Ylang
192 Village Park Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Ortiz, Carmen D.
609 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/16/08

Parker, David E.
17 Myrtle Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Pero, Stephen A.
118 Cromwell Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/23/08

Pet-O-Rama,
Lipscomb, Catherine Mary
a/k/a Lemieux, Catherine Mary
152 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Provost, Patricia Ann
19 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

Pulcher, Dale A.
69 Shore Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/26/08

Randall, Richard A.
Randall, Erin L.
1660 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Rodriguez, Nereida L.
56 Terrece St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/08

Rouvellat, Robert E.
Rouvellat, Melanie Ann
117 Cooley Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/08

Shanley, Damion P.
P.O. Box 83
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Shanley, Michelle L.
a/k/a Dominick, Michelle Lynn
15 Riverboat Village
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Sheehan, James F.
41 White Birch Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Snyder, Dennis
Snyder, Tracy
120 Aurthur Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/08

Spelko, Erica Elizabeth
a/k/a Maurice, Erica E.
17 French Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/30/08

St. John, Mark R.
Pleasant Valley Motel
Rt. 102
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/08

Trepp, Stephen D.
573 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/08

Troiano, John M.
72 Delancey Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Trumble, William C.
43 Continental St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Vazquez, Marisol
35 Braywood Circle
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Walker, Mary Ellen
198 Pomeroy Meadow
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/08

Walter, Catherine C.
42 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/27/08

Wheeler, Ethel M.
200 E. River St., Apt. 5-B
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/17/08

Williams, Ryan F.
Williams, Lindsay J.
57 Walnut St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/08

OPINION

By
Opinion
Clearing the Path to a Greener Future

The relentless surge in energy prices and growing concerns about global warming are motivating many of us to change the way we use energy. Compared with the same period a year earlier, Americans drove 22 billion fewer miles from last November through April. Demand for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars exceeds supply, as do seats on the MBTA at rush hour. Home-improvement stores struggle to meet demand for insulation and compact fluorescent lighting.

Consumers are not the only ones changing their behavior. Recently, Gov. Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray, and House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi led the effort to enact a comprehensive energy reform bill. The Green Communities Act is a critical step for Massachusetts. It has the potential to increase our energy efficiency, expand our use of renewable fuels, and stimulate the development of new energy technologies.

This is especially important in Massa-chusetts, where we mainly use carbon-intensive fossil fuels, imported from far away and bought at premium prices. For this state, and many others like it, increasing efficiency and developing clean, indigenous, and sustainable fuels are the essential elements of a sound, long-term energy policy. The Green Communities Act is built on those essentials and gives Massachusetts the opportunity to lead the nation to a greener, and more affordable, energy era.

The law uses both carrots and sticks to dramatically transform our energy infrastructure. It calls for the state to meet at least 25% of electricity demand through improved efficiency and another 20% through the use of renewable energy by the year 2020. It also seeks to reduce the use of fossil fuels in buildings by at least 10% and reduce total energy consumption by at least 10% in that same time frame. Among its many provisions, utilities are required to invest in efficiency before purchasing new supplies of electricity and are encouraged to own and operate solar generators. Power suppliers are encouraged to use combined heat and power systems, coal gasification, and even flywheel energy storage devices.

While the new law is a major achievement, daunting challenges remain. Patrick and state regulatory agencies will have to decide just how much additional energy efficiency and renewable energy the state can afford. Investments in these programs are likely to reduce supply costs in future years, but increase total spending in the near term, at the very moment consumers are paying some of the highest prices in decades. The agencies will have to solve that age-old dilemma: how much to spend now to save later.

Whatever balance is struck by the agencies, Patrick can be expected to feel the heat from both disappointed reformers and overburdened consumers as he works to implement progressive, but responsible, reforms. Likewise, the Legislature must confront a serious practical constraint on fulfillment of the law’s promise: the limited availability of skilled workers needed to rapidly expand our clean-energy output.

Recognizing this, DiMasi, with support from Patrick and Murray, has filed a Green Jobs Act that proposes to reallocate more than $50 million of existing funds over five years to provide specialized clean-energy workforce-training programs.

The consequences of the energy-reform measure will not be known for some time. And the debates over emerging new regulatory requirements and the funding of workforce-development programs will undoubtedly be intense. But with continued leadership from Patrick and the Legislature, these near-term challenges can be solved and unleash tremendous long-term opportunities. There is little doubt that our current direction is the right one. We should not let squabbles over exactly how we get there deflect us from our vital goal: a greener — and more affordable — energy future.-

David L. O’Connor is senior vice president for energy and clean technology at ML Strategies and previously served as state commissioner of energy resources. Thomas R. Burton III is an attorney and chairman of the Energy and Clean Tech Practice Group at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Rick & Joanne Locke
141 Main St.
$225,000 — Repair existing structure to include retail deli space

Tony Cirillo
1744 Main St.
$25,000 — Alteration to take-out restaurant

AMHERST

Amherst Housing Authority
9 Chestnut Ct. Building 5
$17,000 – Kitchen remodel;
9 Chestnut Ct. Building 4
$17,000 – Kitchen remodel;
9 Chestnut Ct. Building 3
$34,500 – Kitchen remodel;
9 Chestnut Ct. Building 2
$34,500 – Kitchen remodel;
9 Chestnut Ct. Building 1
$26,000 – Kitchen remodel

CHICOPEE

Pioneer Valley Church
85 Montcalm St.
$29,000 — Strip and re-roof

Polish National Credit Union
244 Exchange St.
$8,000 — Install drop ceiling and sheetrock

GREENFIELD

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

Fiske Family Trust
75 Oak Hill Road
$30,000 — Restoration of roof destroyed by microburst

William F. Martin
7 Congress St.
$9,000 — Roof work

SPRINGFIELD

American International College
170-192 Wilbraham Road
$24,000 — Sub-divide lounge into three dorm rooms

Balise Automotive Realty
500 West Columbus Ave.
$682,000 — Construction of new metal building

Casale Inc.
191 Chestnut St.
$11,000 — Fix car damage to building

  

City of Springfield
200 Trafton Road
$60,000 — Re-roof and exterior renovations

Frank Forastiere
1858 Allen St.
$139,000 — Interior remodel and addition

Springfield Label
430 St. James Ave.
$20,000 — Construction of humidity controlled room for printing press

Solutia
730 Worcester St.
$600,000 — Construction of new chemical manufacturing building

TW Realty
146 Chestnut St.
$8,500 — Interior renovations

Urstadt Biddle Properties
358 Cooley St.
$8,900 — New steel stud wall to split retail space

WESTFIELD

Berkshire Industries
109 Appremont Way
$67,000 — Commercial addition

L&B Trucking
910 Southampton Road
$260,000 — Commercial addition

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
127 Holyoke Road
$4,123,000 — Construction of a new church

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Lattitudes Restaurant
1338 Memorial Ave.
$10,600 — Install kitchen hood system

Walter Rickus
244 Elm St.
$13,200 — Strip and re-roof

Wendy’s Restaurant
4288 West Dublin-Granville Road
$420,000 — Erect 3,244-square-foot restaurant

Springfield’s Death Is Greatly Exaggerated, but

By
Opinion

Springfield, which had been doing somewhat better in the public-relations department of late, suffered a potentially significant setback recently, when it landed on one of those lists that no city wants to be on.

In this case, it was a compilation from Forbes.com of the nation’s “fastest-dying cities.” Springfield is right there, along with Buffalo, N.Y., Charleston, W.V., Scranton, Pa., Detroit and Flint, Mich., and no less than four cities from Ohio — Canton, Cleveland, Dayton, and Youngstown. More than 150 cities were supposedly considered for this ‘honor,’ and these are the ones that have “struggled the worst of any areas in the nation in the 21st century, and they face even bleaker futures,” including to the author.

In its quick summation of why Springfield is on the list, Forbes.com writes, “the Western Mass. home to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance and Smith & Wesson has suffered for a long time as the Northeast becomes less and less a destination for manufacturing.” It goes on to note that the city has partnered with Hartford in an effort to stave off further decline.

There were a number of factors that went into gaining designation as one of the fastest-dying cities, including high unemployment, population loss, comparatively modest GDP, and others. List such as this one are subjective, arbitrary, completely unscientific, and somewhat sensational, but that doesn’t stop publications from Forbes from doing them.

And now that Springfield’s on the list, it will be interesting to see and hear how it handles this and what the fallout might be.

Indeed, while the knee-jerk reaction is to discount this list and Springfield’s placement on it, or argue with its basic premise — and that’s what area leaders and some media outlets have done since it came out — those closely involved with crafting Springfield’s future shouldn’t dismiss the main point.

And that is that most all the cities on this list are once-thriving manufacturing centers — most located in what is still known as the Rust Belt — that have struggled, in some cases mightily, to build post-industrial economies. Springfield is still hard at work with this assignment, with limited progress to date.

The city’s defenders say there are some positive things happening here — and there are. But a new federal courthouse, Liberty Mutual’s arrival (300 or so jobs), a few new hotels, some progress on the riverfront, and even Baystate Health’s $250 million expansion in the form of the ‘hospital of the future’ do not constitute ‘re-invention,’ and that’s what has to happen if Springfield is to truly get off the deathbed Forbes.com says it’s on.

Reinvention will come through the development of new sources of good, high-paying jobs (tourism and distribution positions don’t qualify) to replace those lost due to the decline in manufacturing. There is some progress on this front — in areas such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and ‘green’ business development — but still a very long way to go.

Meanwhile, true reinvention won’t come until Springfield can do something substantial to lower an appalling 50% dropout rate in its high schools, a statistic that speaks volumes about why, with an unemployment rate at or slightly above the national average, many area companies in this region simply can’t find qualified individuals to fill vacancies.

Does Springfield belong on the fastest-dying cities list? One could debate this question forever, and since this was a subjective exercise and we don’t really know enough about the other 149 cities evaluated, there seems little point in doing so — and that exercise only adds validity to the list.

A series of mayors from Flint have argued long and loudly that their community does not belong on ‘worst places to live’ or ‘fastest-dying cities’ lists, and it hasn’t done much, if anything, to benefit that community. One year, people there burned copies of the magazine that compiled the ‘worst places to live’ list, as if that would make the problem go away.

Springfield is on the ‘fastest-dying’ list, and thus the assignment is to get off it. No one likes to hear that their city is dying, but perhaps, in this case, inclusion might just spark an even more vigorous effort to complete that reinvention process.

It was Mark Twain who said, “the rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” Springfield can’t just say the same; it has to prove it.-

By
Departments

GSCVB Receives ‘Top Destination’ Award

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has received a Top Destination Award from Facilities & Destinations (F&D) magazine in its 2008 annual publication. The designation was given to 63 convention and visitors bureaus in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The GSCVB was the only non-capital-city CVB in New England to receive the honor. F&D polls its readers and association meeting planners annually to select the top CVBs. Criteria include: quality of the convention center, professionalism of the staff, hotel accommodations, on-site management, special promotions and services, accessibility, attractiveness of the destination, and other factors. The is the 14th year the publication has conducted the poll. “This designation is very gratifying for us, and it speaks to the quality of convention amenities in the Pioneer Valley,” said GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra. “We have a number of advantages to offer to meeting planners and other decision makers, including top facilities, easy access, a range of economic options, and a dedicated group of front-line hospitality-industry professionals who will create a pleasant visitor experience for our guests.”

Many Area Cities and Towns Have Lost Population Since 2000

SPRINGFIELD — While there are some notable exceptions — East Longmeadow and Belchertown chief among them — most area cities and towns have held steady in population or seen declines since 2000, according to estimates recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Among the losers are Springfield, down 2,100 people, or 1.41%; Chicopee, down 777, or 1.42%; Amherst, down 599, or 1.72%; Greenfield, down 462, or 2.54%, and Northampton, down 567, or 1.96%. Among the big gainers were East Longmeadow, up 1,122, or 7.96%; Southampton, up 575, or 10.67%; Montgomery, up 100, or 15.29%, and Belchertown, up 1,003, or 7.73%.

Springfield Offered Extended Repayment Period on Loans

SPRINGFIELD — State legislators and the Patrick administration have agreed on a bill that would give the city 15 years to pay back a $52 million state loan — three more than the governor originally proposed in June. The plan, described as a compromise measure, would save the city roughly $1 million per year in payments on the loan. It is subject to the approval of the state House and Senate, and would require the signature of the governor as well.

Three Businesses to Receive Workforce- training Grants

SPRINGIELD — While on a tour of Springfield and its South End recently, Gov. Deval Patrick announced the awarding of workforce-training funds totaling $164,350 to train 116 workers at three area companies. The grants will go to:
• Hampden Bank ($91,250) to train 79 workers in customer service and sales management;
• Thorn Industries ($36,500) to train 15 workers in lean manufacturing and inventory-control systems; and
• Hayden Corp. ($36,600) to train 22 workers in RAPID robotics software.

Springfield Gets $2.1 Million Grant for Armory Street Work

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick has awarded Springfield a $2 million grant to boost business development through a series of road improvements in the Armory Street area. The grant will fund a complete repaving of two miles of Armory Street from the rotary off Interstate 291 south to Federal Street near the Springfield Technical Community College Technology Park. The funds will also pay for new sidewalks and crosswalks; improved signaling to the intersection of Genesee, Taylor, and Worthington streets; and new catch basins. Trees will also be planted. City officials and administrators at the technology park said the planned improvements will make it easier to attract new businesses to that section of Springfield.

Brownfields Assistance Agreement Inked

SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for $1.62 million to clean up brownfield sites in Springfield. Chicopee, Holyoke, and Westfield. The agreement, dated April 17, is the result of the PVPC’s conversion of its original revolving loan fund to the Small Business Relief Rules for Brownfields. The new assistance agreement will provide funding to the PVPC to capitalize the Pioneer Valley Regional Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund. Brownfields are real property, the expansion, development, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

By
Departments

Baystate Mary Lane Hospital Honored

WARE — Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, a 31-bed community hospital in Ware, and a member of Baystate Health, was named as a 2008 PRC Five-Star Hospital in a number of clinical areas for scoring in the top 10% nationally. BMLH is one of only 27 hospitals in the nation to receive four five-star awards. Professional Research Consultants Inc. (PRC) is a health care marketing research company headquartered in Omaha, Neb. PRC is the organization that Baystate Mary Lane Hospital uses to gauge patient-satisfaction levels. PRC’s Five-Star Excellence Award is a designation given annually to health care facilities that score in the top 10% of PRC’s national hospital perception database for the prior year. It is based on the percentage of patients who rate the hospital’s service in a particular area as “Excellent.” The Five Star Awards received by BMLH were:

  • Five Star Excellence Award Med/Surg — for scoring in the top 10% nationally for ‘excellent’ responses for inpatient medical/surgical overall quality of care;
  • Five Star Excellence Award Ob/Gyn — for scoring in the top 10% nationally for ‘excellent’ responses for inpatient ob/gyn services overall quality of care;
  • Five Star Excellence Award BMLH — for scoring in the top 10% nationally for ‘excellent’ responses for outpatient surgery services overall quality of care; and
  • Five Star Excellence Award BMLH — for scoring in the top 10% nationally for ‘excellent’ responses for inpatient services overall quality of care.

Whalley Wins $18 Million State Contract

SOUTHWICK— Whalley Computer Associates (WCA), one of the leading independent computer hardware and software resellers and system integrators in Massachusetts, was recently selected by the state to supply products under the ITC36 state contract. The state anticipates that $18 million of technology peripherals will be conducted through this contract. One of only two vendors selected, the contract allows WCA to provide IT supply and accessory products such as hard drives, memory, system boards, and more that will support the statewide contract for IT computer hardware and services for state organizations.

ESB Supports Food Bank, Recycles for a Cause

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank recently contributed $5,000 to the Food Bank of Western Mass. The gift is part of ESB’s continuing $25,000 commitment to help the Food Bank feed people in need. “With the rising costs of food, we’re aware that more people are relying on the food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, elder programs, and child care centers that the Food Bank supplies,” said William Hogan, president and CEO of ESB. “We are gratified that our pledge can help the food bank reduce hunger here in Western Mass.” In other news, the ESB systems department donated several hundred dollars from its recent employee computer-recycling day to the Easthampton Council on Aging Enrichment Center for its technology needs. Bank employees donated a small fee to bring in their old computers, monitors, and printers to the bank for recycling.

Spalding Introduces Rookie Gear

SPRINGFIELD — Spalding is introducing Spalding Rookie Gear, a sporting-goods line of youth-sized basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls that weigh 25% less than standard youth products. Specifically engineered for the more than 40 million children ages 8 and under, Spalding Rookie Gear’s authentic, innovative product line is designed so kids can shoot, rebound, kick, and throw more easily and successfully, and with better form. “We want kids to enjoy, embrace, and achieve early success in sports,” said Bob Llewellyn, director of Consumer Marketing for Spalding. “Spalding Rookie Gear is all about keeping young athletes in the game because playing with a lighter ball builds confidence, enables sound fundamental skills, and keeps a child active. The end result is making sports more fun to play.” According to Llewellyn, youth products are traditionally made smaller in size but not appropriately weighted, which can lead to improper form, lack of success, and eventual frustration, which ultimately takes the fun out of play.

Berkshire Bank Featured in American Banker Article

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank has been featured in the July 8 issue of American Banker, the financial-services newspaper focused exclusively on the banking and financial-services industry since 1835. The article discusses the bank’s 2007 introduction of its brand identity as “America’s Most Exciting Bank.”

The article reports on the bank’s success in winning over and engaging new customers and energizing its staff. Sean A. Gray, senior vice president of Retail Banking, stated that the theme of excitement “allows us an emotional connection to our customers.” He added, “I really do believe we have the ability to be exciting because of the autonomy we have in the workplace.” Michael P. Daly, president and CEO, added, “we always believed that if employees feel good about what they’re doing, it will be contagious.” The article reports on the bank’s strong deposit growth and higher earnings in the first quarter of 2008. It also reports on the bank’s largest market share in its traditional Berkshire County market, and on its expansion into contiguous markets in Springfield, Albany, N.Y., and Southern Vermont. It also noted the importance of safety and solidity in bank marketing.

Baystate Medical Center Is Again Named One of America’s Top Hospitals

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Medical Center garnered national recognition as one of the country’s best hospitals for the second year in a row, as the annual hospital rankings compiled by U.S. News and World Report placed Baystate in the top 173 of more than 5,400 medical centers nationwide. Baystate’s medical and surgical endocrinology programs led the hospital to the distinction, placing alongside some of the top endocrinology programs in the U.S. “This honor serves as a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of the doctors, nurses, and staff in our endocrinology and bariatric surgery departments — as well as our pathology and clinical laboratory colleagues — and to those who laid the foundation for this success in years past,” said Dr. J. Enrique Silva, chief of the Baystate Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. “It’s very gratifying to receive this national recognition, especially in a specialty as important as endocrinology to the community we serve. In addition, it’s an added stimulus to continue our mission, to reach out to the community for preventive interventions, and to continue to develop groundbreaking research in this field of medicine.” Dr. Loring S. Flint, senior vice president, Medical Affairs, Baystate Health, said the rankings demonstrate Baystate is a clinically excellent hospital. “We’re proud to be part of such a select group of care providers,” he said. “It means even more that our programs in endocrinology and obesity surgery are being particularly honored, since their work is so integral to our mission of improving the health of the people in our communities.” The U.S. News & World Report rankings, which honor Baystate for the second consecutive year, weigh three elements equally: reputation, death rate, and a set of care-related factors such as nursing and patient services. In 12 specialties, including endocrinology, hospitals have to pass through several gates to be ranked and considered a ‘best’ hospital. Baystate Medical Center is the only medical center in Western Mass. to be recognized by U.S. News this year.

GCC Receives ‘Promise of Nursing’ Grant

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College announced that it has received $25,000 from the Foundation of National Student Nurses Association’s ‘Promise of Nursing’ program. The funds will be used to develop and implement a recruitment effort directed at licensed practical nurses who are eligible to enroll directly into the second-year nursing program and graduate with their associate’s degree in Nursing (ADN) at the end of that year. “The LPN-to-RN bridge is the shortest route to becoming a registered nurse and, with enhanced advising and counseling support during the program, the most efficient and successful route to full employment in the nursing profession,” said Terri Mariani, GCC’s Nursing program director. GCC will collaborate with area long-term-care facilities, including Amherst Extended Care in Amherst; Buckley Nursing Home and Charlene Manor in Greenfield; Farren Care Center in Turners Falls; Heritage Hall Extended Care Facility in Agawam; Linda Manor, Northampton Nursing Home, and the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Northampton; and SunBridge Care & Rehabilitation in Hadley, to identify LPNs in their employment and assist with the transition to nursing school. GCC will use a two-pronged approach to recruit and support the targeted LPNs: first, develop and disseminate a variety of recruitment materials, such as brochures, flyers, mailers, and recruitment fair props, for the GCC ADN program that will market the program and make the case for moving from LPN to RN credentials. Secondly, GCC will extend the enhanced first-year student-retention activities, such as counseling and tutoring support, to the newly recruited second-year students. The LPNs may have completed their schooling many years in the past and may require additional support for math and science coursework, or their level of comfort with being back in school may be low — or both circumstances may be true, requiring the full range of academic and counseling support services. All GCC nursing faculty and staff will work to identify and assist each entrant to the second-year program with both their transition to college and their ongoing scholastic work.

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

Legowski Landscaping & Construction v. Creative Design
Allegation: Non-payment of landscaping services: $18,000
Filed: 6/11/08

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Erin Szalankiewicz v. Bulkley Healthcare Center
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 6/17/08

Laurie Baggetta v. Judith Hamilton and Lydian Enterprises Inc.
Allegation: Negligent establishment of an area for dancing causing injury: $101,480
Filed: 6/23/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Construction Service, a division of Dauphinias & Son Inc. v. T&M Concrete
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $37,924.01
Filed: 6/05/08

David L. Clowes Painting and Decorating v. GFI Prospect Park Development and GFI Longbrook, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials: $29,200
Filed: 6/26/08

Dusty Corporation v. Donovan Oil Co.
Allegation: Failure to properly bleed heating system, resulting in water damage to home: $27,983.45
Filed: 6/28/08

John Angelica v. A. Boilard Sons Inc.
Allegation: Breach of warranties and damages: $50,000
Filed: 6/30/08

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company v. AG Asbestos Inc., et al
Allegation: Breach of worker’s compensation policy and fraudulent misrepresentation: $189,208.89
Filed: 6/23/08

Macey Trustee, et al v. GBG Consulting Services, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $114,508.42
Filed: 5/22/08

Rockstone Capital, LLC v. D’Amours General Contractors
Allegation: Breach of small-business credit agreement: $68,406.83
Filed: 6/25/08

Shawn P. Allyn v. GFI Longbrook LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and real-estate fraud: $30,000
Filed: 6/25/08

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Mary Lou Sanborn v. Gatesman Electric, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $38,958.17
Filed: 6/16/08

Seth Powers v. JDR Builders
Allegation: Negligent and unsafe working conditions causing permanent injury: $1,127,000
Filed: 6/17/08

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Analysts in Media Inc. v. Overlook Industries Inc.
Allegation: Breach of advertising agreement: $20,516
Filed: 6/30/08

Karen Barnes v. Starbucks Coffee Co.
Allegation: Improperly placed lid on cup and other negligence, causing serious injury: $15,577.00

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Gallerani Electric Co. Inc. v. O’Driscoll’s Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of electrical work: $4,135
Filed: 6/10/08

Mary Hall v. Yogi Bear’s Sturbridge Jellystone Park Resort
Allegation: Failure to maintain property, causing slip and fall: $5,360
Filed: 6/13/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Bradco Supply Co. v. CP McDonough Construction Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $8,478.76
Filed: 4/16/08

City of Holyoke Gas & Electric v. Nutmeg International Trucks Inc.
Allegation: While in defendant’s possession, vehicle was broken into, damaged, and had items stolen: $5,524.00

Emanuel Brown v. Michael Brown d/b/a Building Renovations
Allegation: Breach of contract for residential renovations: $5,000
Filed: 4/02/08

General Construction & Environmental Inc. v. On Target Utility Services
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $5,525
Filed: 4/03/08

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Lumas Painting Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of workers’ compensation insurance: $11,249.70
Filed: 4/09/08

Martindale-Hubbell v. Hare & Stamm
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $4,259
Filed: 4/01/08

O.K. Baker Supply Co. Inc. v. Gus & Paul’s Bakery
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $16,890.65
Filed: 4/04/08

Saga Communications of NE Inc. v. Good Deal Auto
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services: $10,436.60
Filed: 6/25/08

Springfield Lumber Company v. Allied Industries Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of merchandise sold and delivered: $20,891.56
Filed: 3/28/08

TBF Financial, LLC v. Ashton Services Inc.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $11,920.89
Filed: 4/18/08

Zielinski Brothers Inc. v. Hydro-Pro Inc.
Allegation: Negligent installation of irrigation system, causing damage: $15,000
Filed: 4/09/08

By
Departments

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

AMHERST

Christine Enterprises
109 Village Park Road
Christie LaFountain

Direct Financial Aid Professional Services
19 Jackson Court
Paul A. Baker

Greenleaves Realty Group
26 Greenleaves Dr.
Lawrence Alland

TD BankNorth
11 Amity St.
John Opperman

US Hana Company
171 Fearing St.
Sung Jung

CHICOPEE

Dialysis Center of Western Mass, LLC
601 Memorial Dr.
Gina Smus

Divisional Championship
65 Lemuel Ave.
Bryan Russell Brown

EASTHAMPTON

Epic Electric
21 First Ave.
Joseph Delaney

Furs-A-Flyin’
155R Northampton St.
Mary-Kate Fitzgibbon

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dollar Store
406 North Main St.
Dollar Tree Stores

Honey Bee Realty
101 Somers Road
Bryan Kaye

Protection Plus
171 Shaker Road
Paul & Diana Koetseh

Runway 73
60 Shaker Road
Amy Dodd

GREENFIELD

L & R Roofing & Slate Repair
29 Alden St.
Lenny Greenlaw

National City Mortgage
22 Mohawk Trail
Clay Herbert

SS Floor Sanding
14B North St.
Donald S. Schietroma

Valley Starter & Alternator
295 Deerfield St.
J. Craig Bernier

HADLEY

Applebee’s
100 Westgate Dr.
Karin Stutz

Butternut’s
195 Russell St.
Andrew Sussman

Chili’s Grill & Bar
426 Russell St.
Rich Brittingham

Four Seasons Wine & Liquor
333 Russell St.
Sean Barry

Hadley Coin-Op Laundromat
206 Russell St.
Richard Czarniecki

Window Works
321 Russell St.
Randall Roberts

LUDLOW

C.A. Smith Lumber & Feed Co.
84 Hubbard St.
Gary Guilmette

Excel Home Care Services
185 West Ave.
Rebecca Paquette

NORTHAMPTON

Delong Construction, LLC
76 Bancroft Road
Edmund D. Lennihan

Essentials
88 Main St.
John Urschel

Northampton Veterinarian Clinic
227 South St.
Ellie Shelburne

On A Whim Consignments
6 Trumbell Road
Pablo Drullard

Suzannex
11 Market St.
Suzanne Van Dyke

PALMER

Becker Builders
2004 Calkins Road
Daniel Becker

Clutter
2004 Calkins Road
Daniel Becker

Electronic Shelter
1659 North Main St.
Jitendra Changela

Family Produce
1620 North Main St.
Gidget Jolly

Music
21 Wilbraham St.
Daniel Becker

New Day Real Estate
3074 Main St.
Michael Seward

Paradigm
21 Wilbraham Road
Daniel Becker

PBS Inspections
688 River Road
Lori Burnham

River East School to Career
1455 North Main St.
Loretta Dansereau

SOUTHWICK

The Skybox
13 Lauren Lane
Randy Rindels

Thompson Engineering
19 Island Way
Jeff Thompson

SPRINGFIELD

Admiral Masonry Services
36 Santa Barbara St.
Alex Reyes

All in One
235 Hancock St.
Stephen D. Warrick

Any Length
701 Sumner Ave.
Dan Tran

Art For the Soul Gallery
235 State St.
Rosemary Woods

Atavism Multimedia
67 St. James Ave.
Michael D. Grant

Bamboo House Restaurant
676 Belmont Ave.
Hieu Van Le

Bautista Grocery Inc.
306 Belmont Ave.
Gustavo Bautista

Cedar Auto Sales
173-175 Spring St.
Ali Mourad

Creation Bless
1087 State St.
Delroy Lloyd Reid

Exterior Construction
53 Leatherleaf Dr.
Corey Robin Palm

Fufu Beauty Supply
813 State St.
Dine Amadou

WESTFIELD

Calligraphy By Kim
110 Christopher Dr.
Kimberly Fisher

First Choice Real Estate
252 Vining Hill Road
Eve M. Crampton

Four Mile Package
21 Hillcrest Circle
Harnish B. Patel

North American Restoration
21 East Silver St.
Harland C. Avezzie

R. Lambert Professional Sales
208 Holyoke Road
Robert Lambert

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A.A. Zebian Financial Services
117 Park Ave.
Ahmad A. Zebian

Breakers Billiards
1272 Memorial Ave.
N.E. 9 Ball Inc.

E-ZEE Mart
83 River St.
Arshad Imad

J.L.G. Roofing Company
1721 Riverdale St.
Justin Lawrence Grimm

Northern Granite
380 Union St.
Vyacheslav Katko

Performance Rehabilitation
124 Myron St.
James Biron

R. Hudson Painting
84 Day St.
Raymond Hudson Jr.

BANKRUPTCIES

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

Babcock, Nancy H.
17 Maple St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Barry, John J.
Barry, Janice
2 Dian St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/06/08

Brady, Anne
238 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/10/08

Bray, Christine T.
80 Loopley St. #1
Ludlow,, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/08

Broberg, Amy Dickinson
256A Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Cayabyab, Alberto P.
168 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Chapin, Matthew Charles
132 Main St., #66
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/08

  

Cherry Picked Books
Bannon, Tammie J.
8 Hisgen Ave., Apt. A
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/06/08

Collins, Glenn J.
P.O. Box 944
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/12/08

Crafts, Barbara Ann
28 River St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/15/08

Crane, Wanda S.
c/o Diane W. Crane
44 Shattuck St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/06/08

Davidson, Todd P.
190 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/09/08

Decaro, Ralph A.
Feliberty, Alida
81 Wilbur St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Deveno Landscaping
Deveno, David G.
P.O. Box 80
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/08

Egan, Linda J.
38 Pembroke Place
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/08

Elgin, Linda S.
a/k/a Elgin-Vogt, Linda S.
29A Harold Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/08

Furgal, Paul Mike
67 Calumet Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/09/08

Garcia, Carolyn A.
Garcia, Porfirio
90 Montrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Girard, Dawn A.
10 South St.
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Gray, Sean K.
463 Harvard Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Hagenah, Helene E.
P. O. BOX 670
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Halford, Michael
Halford, Amanda
478 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/08

Houde, Jeremy Y.
10 Lyman Ave., Apt. F
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Housey, Cleveland
94 Wilton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/08

Howard, Julie L.
a/k/a O’Brien-Higgins, Julie L.
a/k/a Higgins, Julie L.
a/k/a O’Brien, Julie
5 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Industrial Staple Company
LaPlace, Frederick H.
PO Box 746
W. Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Jennings, Leslie Anne
P O Box 338
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Johnson, Irene E.
PO Box 2396
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Lambert, Normand Fernand
343 Chicopee St., Unit
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/08

Liminski, Julita
a/k/a Wisniewska, Julita
23 Call St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/08

Lodsin, Michael C.
250 Harvey Mountain Road
Tolland, MA 01034
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/31/08

Mahon, Catherine M.
643 Newton St. Apt. 2
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/08

Mansfield-Magoon, Rita M.
1198 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/10/08

McCabe, Robert J.
470 Riceville Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/13/08

McDonald, Kevin
236 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/08

Nell, Robert Joseph
22 Williams Court
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/08

Nelson, Steven R.
Nelson, Laurie A.
a/k/a Dupuis, Laurie A.
a/k/a Spooner, Laurie
9 Cove Dr.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Orcutt, Jacqueline
Orcutt, Jacqueline Woods
PO Box 263
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/02/08

Pacyna, Bruce J.
26 Eastern Ave.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Palermo, Isaias
Palermo, Elizabeth L.
22 Spring St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/08

Pangborn, Alexander Nicholas
a/k/a Pangborn, Alex Britt
Pangborn, Katherine V.
a/k/a Rowland, Katherine Victoria
Pangborn, Brittany Heather
47 Hampton Knolls Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/08

Paredes, Jose C.
40 Southpoint Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Parker, Danielle N.
50 Mt. Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/08

Peirce, Nate Brian
8 Federal St., Apt. 1
Miller’s Falls, MA 01349
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/10/08

Peloquin, Edward C.
8 Oriole Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/08

Ramirez, Pedro E.
585 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Richard, Kirk Douglas
25 Higher St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Sheffer, Elmer
38 Biella St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Simmons, Helen
42 Prospect Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/09/08

Slattery, Fred Roland
146 Union St., Apt. 2R
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Snyder, Dean
37 Gilman St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Stefanik, Chester
68 Boyer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/09/08

Taylor, Danny T.
Taylor, Patricia A.
a/k/a Renaud, Patricia A.
261 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/06/08

Tonelli, Joseph C.
35 Malden St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/02/08

Wabeck, Veronica Lynn
16 Vadnais St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/03/08

Walls, Nicole S.
187 Fountain St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/13/08

Whitmore, William K.
13 Howe St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/04/08

Yensen, Donald
Yensen, Deborah Ann
45 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/30/08

By
Departments

Let’s Hear It for the Boys & Girls Club

The Springfield Boys & Girls Club was the recipient of Merrill Lynch’s 2nd annual “Party with a Purpose” benefit at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on July 26. Above, from left: Gary McCarthy, executive director, and Barbara Kolosowski, director of Development, Springfield Boys & Girls Club; and David Lusteg, vice president, senior resident director, wealth-management advisor of Merrill Lynch’s Springfield office. At right: Valerie Duncan (left), financial advisor of global wealth at Merrill Lynch’s Hartford office, and Alyson Roberts, vice president, relationship manager, private banking with the Wachovia Wealth Management division of New Haven, Conn.

Summer Sizzle

On June 23, “What’s Cooking, Kids?” of East Longmeadow held its fifth Celebrity Chef night since it opened for business in October 2007. Every month, “What’s Cooking, Kids?” hosts chefs from local restaurants to prepare and serve a five-course meal to in-studio guests. Above left, from left: John Thomas, managing partner of Max’s Tavern; Jen Matthews, owner, and Jenna Goodman, creative director of “What’s Cooking, Kids?” and Dorian Puka, executive chef of Max’s Tavern. Above, guests wait for their first course: from left, Diane Minicucci, RN at Baystate Medical Center; Dan Minicucci, fashion photographer; and Damon D’Amico, president of Alden Medical of West Springfield. At left, from left: Beth Benoit and Tim Giguere, culinary educators with “What’s Cooking, Kids?” and Geoff Sullivan, area manager of Altheus Personal Training.

By
Departments

Raising the Bar

The Hampden County Bar Assoc. held its annual meeting and dinner on June 19. The event, staged in the Marriott Springfield ballroom, featured a number of awards and presentations, and included a new wrinkle, a vendors show, which preceded the dinner and keynote address from Mass. Lawyers Weekly Editor David Yas. Clockwise, from above: outgoing President Thomas Kenefick III, left, a Springfield-based attorney, presents a 50-year membership plaque to Theodore Dimauro, a Springfield-based attorney and former mayor of that city; attorney Mary A. Socha, left, who was presented with the Mass. Bar Assoc. Community Service Award, shares a moment with Hampden County Juvenile Court Judge Patricia Dunbar; President-elect Mark Albano, an attorney with the firm Dalsey, Ferrara & Albano, is flanked by Kenefick, left, and former past president Paul Rothschild, an attorney with the Springfield-based firm Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Martini Magic

Max’s Tavern, located at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, staged its annual ‘Martini Madness’ event on June 12. The get-together/networking event drew hundreds of area residents and business leaders, and raised money for the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. Among those in attendance and experiencing the “reinvention of the martini,” as organizers put it, were (clockwise, from below) Michael Favreau, president of Ronald McDonald House, and his wife, Donna; Marco Amato, president of Dowd Financial, AnnMarie Harding, promotions director for Max’s Tavern, and Greg Toegel, owner of Ride Kenya’s Horse Safaris; and Jim Pollard, president of Carter-McLeod, and his wife, Amy.

For Art’s Sake

Easthampton Mayor Michael Tautznik, left, shakes hands with mural artist Tom Pappalardo, owner of Standard Design in Northampton, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a mural at 71 Cottage St. The mural project was coordinated by Easthampton City Arts and was sponsored by the Williston Northampton School, Hampton Wholesale Auto, LLC, the Easthampton Cultural Council,
and the Mass. Cultural Council.


By
Departments

Construction Course

July 16: The Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. will sponsor a six-session course starting July 16 to help individuals prepare for the Mass. Construction Supervisor’s Licensing Exam. Sessions will be conducted at the Home Builders Assoc. headquarters, 240 Cadwell Dr., Springfield, for six Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Course instructors are Bob Ashburn and Michael Carter, tenured professors at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Registration forms to enroll for the state exam will be distributed at the first session of the program. The fee is $250 for a member of the Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. and $350 for a non-member. For more information or to register, call Sandra Doucette at (413) 733-3126. Enrollment is limited.

Business Resource & Services Fair

July 17: The Regional Employment Board of Hampden County will host a Hampden County Business Resource & Services Fair from 8:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Banknorth Conference Center, 1st Floor, 1441 Main St., Springfield. One of the goals of the morning event is to inform businesses in Hampden County about state and regional services that are available to them to assist in addressing business needs and strategies. A business card is required for admission. Organizations scheduled to provide services include the state Office for Minority and Women Business Assistance, Commonwealth Corp., New England Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms, Mass. Office of Business Development, MassDevelopment, Associated Industries of Mass., Small Business Administration, and the state Office of Business and Entrepreneurship. People planning to attend the event should E-mail Larry Martin at [email protected] by July 8. For more information, call (413) 755-1361.

Cambridge College Extravaganza

August 5: The Basketball Hall of Fame will be the setting for Cambridge College’s 2nd annual Enrollment Extravaganza, beginning at 6 p.m. An information session on undergraduate, master of Education, master of Management, and master of Education–Counseling Psychology programs is planned, featuring a student panel with faculty members. In addition, workshops are planned, as well as a keynote address by Michael Lundquist, a Cambridge College alum and CEO of the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development Inc. Lundquist will speak on “Giving Back in a Global Economy.” For details, visit www.cambridgecollege.edu/ Springfield, or call (800) 829-4723, ext. 6623.

By
Departments

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

Air-Flow USA
Body Mind Spirit
Kearney Group
Re-grout Magic
Kearney, James Patrick
a/k/a Kearney, Wendy R.
1682 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Alicea, Irisneri
Ramos, Victor
20 Easthampton Road, Apt. D-9
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Allen, Portia Doretha
51 Ardmore St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Antunes, Carl J.
43 John St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Aucella, Robert P.
291 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Banville, Donald Richard
Banville, Maricatheryn Lucille
a/k/a Conlin, Maricatheryn Lucille
2200 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Bencivenni, Joan P.
138 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Biathrow, George O.
Biathrow, Michele M.
126 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Birudavol, Raj N.
5E Mansion Woods Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Bonyeau, David N.
9 King Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/08

Brown, Anthony
121 Hastings St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Bryant, Timothy J.
25 Lincoln St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Budington, Ralph V.
307 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Burgos, Dennis
25 Vinton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Cardano, Alicia M.
175 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Chmielewski, Dariusz Z.
Chmielewski, Krystyna
20-22 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Clark, Colleen Ann
86 Williams St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Cohen, Sandra E.
77 Hall St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Coleman, Winifred M.
a/k/a Daley, Winifred M.
248 Amherst Road #F9
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Copeland, Clifford E.
Copeland, Dina M.
Pinsonneault, Dina M.
122 Gallup St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/08

Cummings, Marjorie T.
Post Office Box 712
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/08

Curves For Women, Longmeadow
Merchant, Kevin Scott
Merchant, Dinah Ann
a/k/a Atamansky, Dinah Ann
52 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/08

Custom Touch
Platt, Peter G.
51 Broad St., Apt. A-1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Dodd, Dana A.
Dodd, Laura A.
31 Memorial Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Dominguez, Raysa J.
168 Euclid Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Evans, Paul W.
95 Granada Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Evon, Elizabeth A.
a/k/a Moriarty, Elizabeth
4 Country Club Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/08

Fleming, Isaac
Fleming, Izetta J.
29 Beech St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Fletcher, Gary F.
Fletcher, Lisa M.
a/k/a Ziter, Lisa
35 Temple St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/08

Frankhauser, Hans A.
18 Truman Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

French, Perry Ray
French, Sharon Dawn
193 Cayenne St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Gargan, Cheryl L.
5 Holland Ave., Apt. C
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Gibson, Michelle A.
19 Elm Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Goosby, Sheldon Scott
P.O.Box 324
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Govine, Vincent E.
42 Holland Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Haas, Sandra Beatrice
24 High St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Harrington, Robert A.
137 Lincoln St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Hartman, Heather M.
141 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Hogan, Sheila E.
24 Wildermere St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Hosford, Darleen
134 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Hume, Jason K.
Hume, Danielle N.
a/k/a Lyman, Danielle N.
18 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Hurtado, Mariella
20 Hamlin St., Apt #1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/08

Jackson, Cynthia Y.
23 Ferris St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Jacques, Laura K.
17 Forestdale Av.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/24/08

Jaim Lombana Music
Lombana, Jaim
Lombana, Karyn Wasilauski
a/k/a Wasilauski, Karyn Leigh
271 West Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Kilham, Charles Robert
Kilham, Alisha Ann
30 John Haley Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Kum, Roger O.
128 Benton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/21/08

LaRue, Donna M.
a/k/a Block, Donna M.
555 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Lawrence, Shannon T.
28 Campechi St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/30/08

  

Lizak, Jason Joseph
2013 Overlook Dr.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/08

Lonczak, Gary J.
29 Brooks Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Lovern, Jesse J.
Lovern, Candyce I.
22 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Lyons, Robert A.
88 Saint Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Markowski, Bertha F.
36 Thayer St.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

McCormick, Contina M.
91 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

McElhone, Martin
15 Paper St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

McGaughey, Mark A.
62 Center St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/27/08

McLaughlin, Cecile A.
PO Box 6583
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Medina, Betsy
a/k/a Santini, Betsy
267 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/08

Medina, Edwin
267 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/08

Montanez, Joseph W.
6 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Monte, Lee D.
Monte, Erin M.
173 North Main St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Moriarty, Thomas S.
77 Dickinson Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/08

Newton, Robert M.
33 Center Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Perez, Reinaldo
195 Lucerne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Porter, Emmagene S.
34 Scott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Possibilities, LLC
144 Riverbank Road
P.O. Box 343
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Raccis, David A.
17 Blacksmith Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Raccis, Michelle
17 Blacksmith Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Rattell, Michael D.
Rattell, Amy E.
a/k/a Defilippo, Amy E.
185 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Reyes, Wilberto
82 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Ring, Richard D.
Ring, Vanessa
a/k/a Garrant, Vanessa
123 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Rivas, Carmen
76 Byers St., Apt. 201
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Rizzo, Dennis M.
P.O. Box 616
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Robar, Robert W.
Robar, Joan A.
52 Crystal Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Robert, Steven D.
41 Maple St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Ross, James J.
Ross, Julie A.
a/k/a Whitehead, Julie A.
173 Aldrich St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Sanocki, Paul T.
6 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Sayers, Walter A.
Sayers, Janice M.
176 Columbus, 607
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Scharmann, Jeffrey A.
153 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Schultze, Stacie
17 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Simmons, Loria A.
253 Ramblewood Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Sissman, Michael G.
134 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Siteman, Linda J.
381 Montague City Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Somer, Jareena Meya
23 Olive St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/08

Sondrini, Todd J.
103 Williamsburg Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/23/08

St. Pierre, Kimberly Ann
33 Bryant St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/08

Sullivan, Daniel G.
Sullivan, Leeann M.
95 Deer Run Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/21/08

Tapia, Mary M.
a/k/a Caraballo, Mary M.
a/k/a Lozada, Mary M.
87 Wilbraham Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/08

Thomasian, John D.
Thomasian, Belinda F.
8 Smith Hanson Road
North Brookfield, MA 01535
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Tomaino, Thea M.
38 Glenham St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/08

Tuominen, Waino William
519 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Valenti, Miranda F.
a/k/a Sanchez, Isaura
108 Peer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/08

Wegiel, Eric J.
Wegiel, Lisa M.
a/k/a Ferreira, Lisa M.
55 Biddle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/16/08

Whitlock, Steven Paul
44 Holland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Wloch, Slawomir S.
Wloch, Wieslawa J.
389 S. Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/08

Wright, Christine
Post Office Box 456
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

Zytkiewicz, David A.
100 Bonnie Brae Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/08

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Joseph A. Walz
302 Suffield St.
$400,000 — Remodel and addition for general dental office

AMHERST

Amherst Housing Authority
33 Kellogg Ave.
$7,400 — Upgrade at Jean Elder House

ServiceNet Inc.
129 King St.
$10,000 — Exterior renovation

CHICOPEE

Hawthorne Services
93 Main St.
$7,000 – Install new door in existing building

Tri-City Management
92-94 Rivers Ave.
$12,000 — Interior renovations

EASTHAMPTON

ZLS, LLC
3 Chapman Ave.
$21,000 — Alterations

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dollar Tree Store
414 N. Main St.
$119,000 — Build out

GREENFIELD

Friendly’s Realty LLC
368 Federal St.
$9,000 – Replace existing fire alarm system

GCC Foundation Inc.
270 Main St.
$5,000 — Interior repairs

Mark A. Wightman
Walnut St.
$4,700 — Exterior renovations

Thomas & Mary Dillon
54 Main St.
$12,000 — Install new roof

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$9,000 — Install five Williams Sonoma awnings

LUDLOW

Esko Graphics
40 Westover Road
$24,500 — Renovations

NORTHAMPTON

Asab Abid
78 Masonic St.
$8,800 — Install commercial kitchen hood exhaust system

Blue Sky Real Estate LLC
269 Main St.
$3,000 — Enclose stairwell to separate apartments

Coca-Cola Company
45 Industrial Dr.
$180,000 — Install new EPDM roof system

Edwards Church of Northampton
297 Main St.
$40,000 — Install 39 replacement windows

Finn, Jack V. & Priscilla R.
57 King St.
$130,447 — Install Photovoltaic panels on roof

Florence Savings Bank
176 King Street
$5,200 — Install concrete pad for ATM

Joice Gare
114 Main St.
$15,000 — Repair masonry, glass storefront, and entrance doors

Lathrop Community
680 Bridge Road
$209,327 — Replace siding multiple buildings

  

Meadow Brook Preservation Associates LP
491 Bridge Road – Bldg. 4
$40,000 — Unit 5 reconstruct interior walls and mechanicals

Meadow Brook Preservation Associates LP
491 Bridge Road, Bldg. 4
$40,000 — Unit 3 reconstruct interior walls and mechanicals

Meadow Brook Preservation Associates LP
491 Bridge Road – Bldg. 4
$40,000 — Unit 1 reconstruct interior walls and mechanicals

Smith College
8 College Lane
$323,250 — Renovations to presentation room

The College Church Inc
48 Pomeroy Terrace
$25,000 — Relocate kitchen area

Theresa Ruggerio
86 Masonic St.
$52,209 — Interior renovation

Trident Realty Corp.
109 Main St.
$180,000 — Interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Mt. Holyoke College
50 College St.
$4,738,000 — Renovations to Kendall Hall

SOUTHWICK

Bay Communications, LLC
22 Industrial Road
$47,000 — 12 antennae panels

SPRINGFIELD

Springfield Housing Authority
13-15 Manilla Ave.
16-18 Manilla St.
17-19 Manilla St.
22-24 Manilla St.
23-25 Manilla St.
76-78 Manilla St.
26-28 Manilla St.
27-29 Manilla St.
32-34 Manilla St.
33-35 Manilla St.
36-38 Manilla St.
37-39 Manilla St.
42-44 Manilla St.
43-45 Manilla St.
47-49 Manilla St.
53-55 Manilla St.
$8,257 for each unit — Exterior renovations

WESTFIELD

Jordan Phillip
485 East Main St.
$23,000 — Renovation

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
127 Holyoke Road
$4,123,000 — Church addition

Richard & Cassandra Adams
519 Southampton Road
$6,500 — Renovation

Ronald Schortman
61 Union St.
$991,000 — New office building

Sage Engineering
217 Root Road
$1,300,000 — New office facility

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Big E
1305 Memorial Ave.
$50,000 — Install new fire main system

Century Investments Co.
73 State St.
$250,000 — Renovate 34,908 square feet of retail space