Home Archive by category Departments (Page 134)

Departments

OPINION

By
Opinion
The Teen Job Crisis

In the 1990s, many young people worked both year-round and seasonally in communities across Massachusetts — in construction, retail, finance, parks and playgrounds, and community centers. Today, however, the level of national joblessness for teens is greater than at any time over the past 60 years, and this summer will produce a new record unemployment rate unless we take action now.

The collapse of the teen labor market has affected all demographic and socioeconomic groups. There are, however, large gaps in teen employment rates across race-ethnic and income groups. During an average month in 2007, only 20% of black teens across the nation had jobs, compared to 30% of Hispanics and 40% of white non-Hispanics.

The teen job market in Massachusetts has also collapsed since the late 1990s. Despite modest growth in overall payroll employment, the state’s teen employment rate last year was only 38%, a 30-year low. The state is no longer a national leader in the employment of teens, whether in school or out of school.

There are many reasons to care about rising youth joblessness. Path dependency is strong in teen employment behavior. The more teens work this year, the more they work next year. Less work experience today leads to less work experience tomorrow and lower earnings down the road. Disadvantaged teens who work in high school are more likely to remain in high school than their peers who do not work. Teens who work more in high school have an easier transition into the labor market after graduation. National evidence shows that pregnancy rates for teens are lower in metropolitan areas where female teen employment rates are higher.

Congress had an opportunity to boost teen and young adult employment this year when it passed a fiscal stimulus package to boost consumer spending. Yet despite efforts led by U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy and evidence that job-creation programs have been found to be effective in creating new jobs for teens, particularly low-income teens, the White House and the congressional leadership killed the proposal to add $1 billion to create jobs for teens and unemployed young adults.

There are a variety of workforce-development strategies that can be pursued to boost teen employment opportunities this year.

First, the summer youth employment program funded by Congress for the past 35 years to create jobs in the nonprofit and public sectors should be reinstituted with an appropriation of at least $1.5 billion. Funds also could be used by state and local workforce investment boards to subsidize jobs for teens in the private, for-profit sector.

Second, the existing network of one-stop career centers should be assigned a priority to recruit and place teens in jobs.

Third, recent efforts by the Patrick administration to create year-round jobs for youth should be expanded in every region of the Commonwealth and supported by the Legislature.

Fourth, state funding for school-to- career connecting activities programs that support local workforce boards to develop year-round and summer intern jobs for high school teens should be expanded to boost access to a wider variety of jobs in the state’s economy.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics preliminary payroll numbers for February are down 63,000 jobs from the previous month. The governor must provide leadership to engage Congress, the business community, and elected officials to follow the lead of Boston, where Mayor Thomas Menino has aggressively recruited jobs for teens in private sector firms.

Young people are leaving Massachusetts in record numbers. The state needs to make youth joblessness a priority in order to keep them here.

Andrew Sum is director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. Don Gillis is executive director of the Mass. Workforce Board Assoc.

By
Departments

Cash Flow Workshop

March 19: Robb Morton of Boisselle, Morton & Assoc. LLP will present “Understanding Your Company’s Cash Flow” from 9 to 11 a.m. as part of the ongoing training seminars sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network in Springfield. The workshop is slated at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, One Federal St., Springfield. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Working Clutter-free

March 19: The Women’s Partnership of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield presents “Working Clutter-free” from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in West Springfield. Carleen Eve Fischer Hoffman, owner of The Clutter Doctor Inc., will help participants explore ways to create order in the office through simple organizing techniques. The cost is $25, and reservations can be made by contacting Diane Swanson at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, 1441 Main St., Springfield; by fax at (413) 755-1322; or via E-mail at [email protected]

Seminar on Undergraduate Programs

March 20: Cambridge College will host an informational session on its Bachelor of Arts-Multidisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Science-Human Services programs for working adults from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Springfield Marriott. For more information, contact Mary A. Nelen, undergraduate admissions counselor, Cambridge College, at (800) 829-4723, ext. 6617, or via E-mail at [email protected].  To view more Cambridge College offerings, visit www.cambridgecollege.edu

Digital Marketing Seminars

March 21: The Regional Technology Corporation’s Technology Enterprise Council network will conduct a series of five seminars this year focused on digital marketing. The first seminar, “Viral Marketing,” is planned from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the tele-classroom at Springfield Technical Community College’s Technology Park. Seminars also planned include “Using Social Networks as Marketing Tools,” “Business Blogging,” “Using Video to Enhance Marketing,” and “Web Trends.” The March 21 event is free to RTC members and $50 to non-members. Advance registration is required and can be made by calling (413) 755-1314 or by E-mailing April Cloutier at [email protected].

Adult Fitness/ Wellness Fair

March 22: As part of its commitment to total wellness, the Springfield YMCA is hosting a “New Attitude – New You Fit Fair” for adults from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Health screenings will include blood pressure, cholesterol level, glucose level, and body composition. Other offerings will include physical therapy and chiropractic assessments, product samples, raffle prizes, total body health and beauty tips, basic financial and consulting tips, healthy food and soft drink samples, and a fitness wear fashion show. For more details, call the YMCA at (413) 739-6951, ext. 145, or visit www.springfieldy.org

Peacebuilding Workshops

March 26: As part of its free 2008 Speaker Series, Elms College in Chicopee will host a workshop titled “Peacebuilding” by Hedley Abernethy, peacebuilding education advisor for Catholic Relief Services, at 3 p.m. Abernethy will also participate in a panel discussion on “Peacebuilding” with Michael True, Ph.D., professor emeritus of English at Assumption College, and Sharon Shepela, Ph.D., professor of Psychology at the University of Hartford, at 7:30 p.m. Meeting locations were not available at press time. Visit www.elms.edu   for more information.

Panel Discussion on Civil Rights Lessons

March 26: “Unsettled Histories: Civil Rights Lessons from Jena and Beyond” will feature civil rights advocate and law professor Margaret Burnham and legal investigator Terry Davis discussing their work on behalf of a Jena 6 student. The 7:30 p.m. panel discussion will be conducted in Gamble Auditorium, and is free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 538-3071.

YPS Celebrates March Madness

March 27: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield marks its one-year anniversary during its monthly social at the MassMutual Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Highlighting March Madness and the NCAA Elite Eight Division II basketball championship in downtown Springfield, YPS has partnered with the Collegiate Championship Committee of Greater Springfield for its March social. While attendance is free with YPS membership, non-members are welcome for $5 per person. The event will be held on the second floor, outside the main ballroom, overlooking Court Square. Active networking will be accompanied by hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and lively entertainment. Tickets for that evening’s semifinal games will be available during the event. March corporate sponsors are BusinessWest and Avanti Skin Care, and the nonprofit spotlight is the United Way of Pioneer Valley. For more information, visit www.springfieldyps.com

Create-a-Strategy Lecture

March 27: Representatives of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce will host a lecture from 9 to 11 a.m. titled “Create-a-Strategy” as part of the ongoing training seminars sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network, with offices in Springfield and Pittsfield. Participants will learn to create a seven-sentence marketing strategy that informs and drives marketing campaigns, media selection, messaging, and marketing budgets. Also, learn the secret of delighting the few to attract the many and how to describe your target market and identify your niche. The cost is $40. For more information on the lecture that will be conducted at the Chamber office, 75 North St., Pittsfield, call (413) 499-0933 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass

‘Green’ Workshop

March 27: Andrea Nager Chasen, assistant regional director for the Climate Change Project of Western MA, will present “Climate Change,” a 45-minute workshop and discussion on how an individual can help reduce the problems of a warming atmosphere and climate. Her 7 p.m. lecture is planned in Mills Theater in Carr Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow as part of its Kaleidoscope spring lecture series. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.baypath.edu

Cultural Diversity Reading

March 27: Elms College in Chicopee will present “Ferociously Yours: Poetry as Resistance,” a reading celebrating cultural diversity, in the Alumnae Library Theater at 8 p.m. The reading will include diverse performance pieces and new works by several poets. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be an opportunity to purchase books and CDs from the performers after the reading. For more information, contact Alexander at (413) 265-2343.

Walking with Dinosaurs

March 27-30: “Walking with Dinosaurs – the Live Experience,” based on the award-winning BBC television series, will be staged at the Mullins Center in Amherst for seven shows. Ten species are represented from the entire 200-million-year reign of the dinosaurs. The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution, complete with the climatic and tectonic changes that took place, which led to the demise of many species. For ticket information, call (413) 733-2500 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

Legislative Breakfast

March 28: The presidents of Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, Westfield State College, and Springfield Technical Community College will host a legislative breakfast at STCC, beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on the seventh floor of Scibelli Hall. The formal program begins at 8 and will feature discussions on public higher education in Massachusetts. For more information, call STCC at (413) 755-4906.

‘Globalizing Gender?’

March 31: The Five College Women’s Studies Research Center in South Hadley will host a presentation titled “Globalizing Gender?: Militarization, ‘New Wars’ and the Global Economy” by Dubravka Zarkov, Ford Associate from the Institute of Social Studies. Zarkov looks at the nexus of the economy and militarism as a contemporary global condition, asking whether this nexus is dependent on specific notions and practices of masculinities and femininities, and thus in need of reproducing them. The free event is open to the public. For more information on the event, visit www.fivecollege.edu/sites/fcwsrc  or call (413) 538-2275.

UMass Exhibition

April 1-12: The Augusta Savage Gallery at UMass Amherst will present an exhibition titled “Charles ‘Teenie’ Harris: Rhapsody in Black and White,” featuring works by the late, famed photographer of Pittsburgh. The gallery will feature a talk by choreographer Ronald K. Brown at 7 p.m. during the closing reception on April 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The show documents the historic and daily events of the Pennsylvania city’s African-American community between 1936 and 1975. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 545-5177.

Workshop on Branding

April 2: John Bidwell of Bidwell ID will present a workshop on “Branding” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center, One Federal St., Springfield, as part of an April Mornings Marketing Series, sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network in Springfield. The series continues on April 9 and April 16. The cost is $40 for one workshop, $75 for two workshops, $100 for three, and $125 for the series. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass

By
Departments

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

Abdoo, Sinnet
73 California Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/18/2008

Abelin, Mark A.
a/k/a Abelin, Erica L.
1327 Main St., 1st Floor
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/18/2008

Benson, Robert Alan
90 Hall Road, #48
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/16/2008

Brown, Jeanette E
122 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Brown, Thomas D.
Brown, Ernestine D.
431 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/22/2008

Connaughton, Kristine L.
30 Kenilworh St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/21/2008

Czuchra, Shawn P.
41 Mockingbird Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/25/2008

DeJesus, Carlos M.
131 Meadow St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Deveneau, Angela J.
1 Cheney St. Apt. 5
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Filipkowski, Edward Joseph
Filipkowski, Andrea Kristen
20 Blacksmith Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Gaetan, Francisco
15 James St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2008

Galeucia, Andrea L.
P.O. Box 2004
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Geng, Paul F.
Geng, Deborah A.
106 Bosworth St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/25/2008

Gonzalez, Anna Rosa
862 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Gorman-Welcome, Brigitte
a/k/a Welcome, Brigitte G.
85 Fearing St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/18/2008

Gringauz, Vlad
24 High St., Apt. 122
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/25/2008

Grochowski, Wojciech Z.
79 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2008

Hundley-Slater, Lisa D.
86 Norman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/16/2008

Lyons, John C.
160 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/18/2008

Magnan, Anne
40 Beacon Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069-1176
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/16/2008

Masse, Jonathan Michael
Masse, Jonna Arlene
a/k/a Wilson Jonna Arlene
76 Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2008

Matta, Kimberly Marie
81 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/17/2008

Mitchell, Cecilia S.
455 Laurel St.
Post Office Box 49
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/27/2008

 

  

Moore, Katherine Ann
a/k/a Cormier, Katherine Ann
a/k/a Archibald, Katherine Ann
257 Lovewell St.
Gardner, MA 01440
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Patingre, Brian E.
344 Mass Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Pelchat, Thomas C.
22 Fairway Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/18/2008

Pelegano, Shawn R.
Pelegano, Theresa A.
a/k/a Ciancotti, Theresa A.
29 Dana St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/18/2008

Poirot, Nathan J.
178 Central Shaft Road
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/23/2008

Procell, Floyd A.
216 Brookside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Provenzano, Steve M.
Provenzano, Cheryl L.
306 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/17/2008

Ptaszkiewicz, Thomas Stanley
73 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/18/2008

Romano, Carmelina
33 Humbert St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/17/2008

Sanocki, Angela L.
6 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/28/2008

Senquiz, Kourtney
a/k/a McDermott, Kourtney
7 Lucretia Avenue
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Skinner, Susan A.
636 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/25/2008

Stewart, Lori Cass
a/k/a Coughlan, Lori
383 East River St., Apt. 514
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/28/2008

Stoddard, Raymond Ellsworth
113 Center St., Apt. 7
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/21/2008

Strycharz, Gerald L.
607 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/27/2008

Suares, Denise M.
15 Pearson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/22/2008

Tatro, Ronald Cliford
126 Oak St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

The Dance Party
Gervais, James F.
Gervais, Sheryl L.
280 Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Trottier Mark
Trottier Linda Carol
131 Woodlawn Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/21/2008

Ward Colette, Ethlinda
58 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/16/2008

Whidden, Michelle Lynne
a/k/a Adams Michelle
11 Filmer St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Date: 01/24/2008

Witter, Donald D.
85 Williams St., Apt. 109
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Date: 01/24/2008

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

GAC Realty Trust
720 Silver St.
$2,000,000 — Construction of two additions to existing building

AMHERST

Amherst Associates Inc.
384 Northampton Road
$4,000 — Construction of handicap ramp

Amherst Associates Inc.
388-394 Northampton Road
$4,600 – Install new handrails and guards for exterior stairs

Amherst Associates Inc.
384-378 Northampton Road
$4,000 — Install new handrails and guards for exterior stairs

EV Realty Trust
24 North Pleasant St.
$35,000 — Install fire sprinkler system in Amherst Brewing Company

CHICOPEE

American Renal Associates
601H Memorial Dr.
$669,000 — Interior renovations of 7,237 square feet in existing building

Chicopee Housing Authority
Stonina Dr.
$330,000 — Replace 126 exterior doors

Child Development Center
989 James St.
$13,600 — Strip and re-roof

D’Angelos
1606 Memorial Dr.
$65,000 — Interior fit out

EAST LONGMEADOW

Council on Aging
328 North Main St.
$80,000 — Refurbish office

Salon Karma
576 North Main St.
$100,000 — Renovations

GREENFIELD

Mark Sirum
41 Garfield St.
$23,000 — Excavate and rebuild foundation

HADLEY

Eden Avant
454-460 Russell St.
$1,600 — Minor interior renovations

  

HOLYOKE

D’Angelos
2175 Northampton St.
$690,000 — Interior renovations to restaurant

O’C Ingleside LLC
361 Whitney Ave.
$2,841,000 — Renovate existing office and warehouse space

LUDLOW

Constantine & Christine Dourountondakin
7 McLean Parkway
$144,000 — Alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
243 King St.
$3,000 — Move reception area

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St.
$973,000 — Renovate first floor for new practice

PALMER

Pioneer Valley Group LLC
354 Wilbraham St.
$55,000 — New commercial building

SPRINGFIELD

Cooley Street Associates
415 Cooley St.
$1,000,000 — Add 10,800 square feet of retail space to Stop & Shop

Diocese of Springfield
260 Surrey Road
$6,000 – Install 12 x 12 column to add support

Rent Prop LLC
414 Boston Rd.
$266,000 — Install new storefront & renovations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

T.D. Bank North Insurance
123 Interstate Drive
$196,000 — Renovate 3,300 square feet of existing office space

Vadim Kot
534 Union St.
$38,000 — Strip and re-roof

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 DISRICT COURT

Theresa Szkolt v. Johnson Construction
Allegation: Breach of contract for construction services: $4,600
Filed: 1-28-08

WJF Geoconsultants Inc. v. Bernard Brunelle & Triple B Auto Service Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of environmental services: $6,771.25
Filed: 2-07-08

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Gilbert R. Lanoue v. Big Y Foods Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in dispensing of drug causing personal injury: $6,200
Filed: 1-31-08

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Sherwin Williams Company v. Todd Baker Decoration
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,870.15
Filed: 2-13-08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Helen Santaniello v. James Harrington & Hawk Liquors & Spirits Inc.
Allegation: Breach of purchase and sales contract: $325,000
Filed: 12-28-07

Mary Lewandowski, administratrix of the estate of Fred Lewandowski v. Edward Steven Ballis, M.D.
Allegation: Medical negligence causing death: $25,000+
Filed: 1-23-08

Miriam Rosa v. Goodwill Industries Inc.
Allegation: Other negligence and personal injury: $25,000+
Filed: 2-01-08

Nicholas Lynch v. Douglas G. McAdoo, M.D. and Emergency Medicine Associates
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000
Filed: 1-30-08

Roger Cortis Jr. v. Crystal Brook Landscape Construction Inc.
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence: $26,258.55
Filed: 1-20-08

Taylor M. Coutant v. Eastern States Expo and North American Midway Entertainment
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury while entering amusement ride: $526,136.18
Filed: 2-05-08

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

David Bogardus v. Packaging Corporation of America
Allegation: Negligent failure to maintain property, causing injury: $601,768.27
Filed: 1-16-08

Pramco CV8, LLC v. J & P Dunham Truck & Tractor Service, LLC
Allegation: Default on commercial promissory note and guaranty agreements: $27,275.32
Filed: 1-24-08

William and Ann Marie Woods v. Wagner Spray Technology Corporation
Allegation: Negligence in design and manufacture of product causing fire damage: $200,000+
Filed: 1-24-08

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Ramon Suarez v. El-Ro Realty and Pleasant Realty Apartments, LLP
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $6,331.59
Filed: 1-18-08

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Assured Nursing Services Inc. v. Somerset Longterm Care, LLC d/b/a Poet’s Seat Health
Allegation: Principal due on promissory note: $29,764.31
Filed: 2-15-08

Fierst, Pucci, & Kane LLP v. Replay Studios GMBH
Allegation: Failure to pay for legal services rendered: $9,705.39
Filed: 2-14-08

McCarthy, Burgess, & Wolff v. Northeast Woods & Waters Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of balance on equipment lease: $11,885
Filed: 2-14-08

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Budget Truck Rental LLC v. Liberty Transportation Inc.
Allegation: Motor vehicle negligence: $9,676.72
Filed: 1-30-08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Alan Planky v. Regency Pontiac
Allegation: Breach of car sales contract: $7,235.47
Filed: 1-03-08

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Abraham Forish v. YMCA of Greater Westfield Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of exercise equipment causing injury: $21,000
Filed: 2-04-08

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Agawam Machine Co.
28 Federal Ave.
Gary Bilodeau

Basile Tile
24 Randall St.
Carl Basile

C&G Enterprises
15 Sycamore Terrace
Chester S. Wojcik

Corporate Housing of Western Mass.
322 Regency Park Dr.
Jacqueline Wise

Curley’s Lawn Service
1629 Suffield St.
David Curley

Darker Image
303 A Walnut St.
Danielle Placanico

Euphoria Skincare
299 Walnut St.
Lori A. Schott

James Typrowicz Painting & Wallpapering
63 Belvedere Ave.
James Typrowicz

Liberty Plaza
332 Walnut St. Ext.
Ermine Cicek

Raynor’s Landscaping
60 Senator Ave.
Michael Raynor

Root Beer Garden Foods
303 Springfield St.
Robert Harkins Jr.

The Chop Shop
545 Springfield St.
Tasha DiDonato

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Senior Supportive Daycare Program
63 Main St.
Lori A. Jerusik

Donald Ruel Electric
72 Parenteru Court
Donald Ruel

Paus LLC
14 Myrtle St.
Pavel I. Siryk

The Hem & Ha Fun Company
127 Gil St.
Tammy Ellen Shafer

EAST LONGMEADOW

Carrington LLC
54 Pilgrim Road
Mark Carrington

Forrest Web Design
642 Prospect St.
Richard W. Forrest

Marcus Tile Partnership
5 Chadwick Lane
Ronald Napolitan II

New England Consignment & Resale
32 Shaker Road
Bradley Sulewski

GREENFIELD

Cowan’s Garage
93 Vernon St.
James & Alice Cowan

Northern Woolies
24 Miles St.
Christine Copeland

Pleasant Street Community Garden
141 Davis St.
Dorothea Sotiros

Renewal Crafts
136 Main St.
Veronique Blanchard

HADLEY

Hedgehog Farms
8 Grand Oak Farm Road
Lisa Seymour

Nail Pro
367 Russell St.
Anthony Son

HOLYOKE

Aerie by American Eagle
50 Holyoke St.
Paula Kiefer

Cache
50 Holyoke St.
Victor J. Caston

Circuit City
33 Holyoke St.
Philip J. Dunn

Dunkin Donuts
1600 Northampton St.
Lori Martins

Joey’s Renovation
116 Waldo St.
Jose Serrano Jr.

LUDLOW

Cornerstone Customer Countertops
100 State St.
Jacob Herrick

East Street Variety
246-248 East St.
Lack Shah

Funstop LLC
100 State St.
Thomas S. Halgas

Paul’s Tree Service
312 Miller St.
Paul Cocchi

NORTHAMPTON

Brooksie Creative Services
73 Prospect St.
Peter L. Brooks

Curves
141 Damon Road
Bonnie R. Cueman

Hungry Ghost Bread
62 State St.
Cheryl L. Maffei

  

Jackson & Conner LLC
150 Main St.
Tara Ann Tetreault

Maren Brown Associates, LLC
98 Lake St.
Maren Brown

On A Whim Consignments
35 Day Ave.
Daphne Joubran

PALMER

Chuck’s Furniture Service
1008 Maple St.
Charles L. Hood

RJ Truck Repair
21 Wilbraham Road
Robert J. Shea

SOUTH HADLEY

Mr. Hood
48 Boynton Ave.
Jason Fernandez

Totally Polished
50 Lamb St.
Ashley M. Houle

SOUTHWICK

DRW Trucking Co.
46 Congamond Road
David R. Wilcox

SPRINGFIELD

Maxim Lingerie Showroom
333 East Columbus Ave.
Zendy Chanel Gobran

Mily’s Beauty & Style
152 Leyfred Terrace
Milagros Castro

MRB Home Improvement
5 Juniper Dr.
Michael R. Barber

New England Hair Products
599 Page Blvd
Juan C. Perez

Nocturnal Enterprises
1418 Bay St.
Christopher Yates

Quick Stop Food Mart
889 Carew St.
Amtul S. Khoula

Something to Talk About
1500 Main St.
Diane Evans

Talk of the Town Restaurant
320 Wilbraham Road
Cornell Forbes

The Rich Look Fine Auto Service
36 Amity Court
Richard David Manning

The Zone
80 Worthington St.
Ricardo Viruet

Tropical Ice Dream
2645 Main St.
Felix Mateo

True Perfection
256 Laconia St.
Alfraido Leando Wray

Unice International Group
38 Forest Park Ave.
Okey Ikewuibe

Valley Adz
61 Adams St.
William Dusty

Western Mass Warriors
335 Newbury St.
Junior S. Williams

Wholesale Auto Outlet
480 Central St.
Thomas Wheeler Lewis

Your Valley Gifts
118 Oak St.
Debra Ann O’Connor

WESTFIELD

Artemis Painting, LLC
261 Little River Road
Tracy Kochanski

Lucky Nails & Spa
303 East Main St.
Huan Van Huynh

Pioneer Valley Floor & Tile
69 Court St.
Kevin Adams

Tekoa Mountain Coffee Roasters
12 School St.
Kristen Rigg

Union Park Condo Association
139 Union St.
Rene Lucier

Wendy’s
6 Southampton Road
Robert Meyers

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Aardvark Property Holdings, LLC
1457 Riverdale St.
Arthur R. Doty

Country Meat, LLC
1142 Memorial Ave.
Alex Leykikih

Hampton Inn West Springfield
1011 Riverdale St.
Remo Pizzichemi

Northeast Commercial Remodeling
80 Almon Ave.
David Steup

Point Blank Paintball Inc.
1457 Riverdale St.
Arthur R. Doty

Quality Cars 4 Less
44 Exposition Ave.
Ronald Gardner

Rexel
338 Memorial Ave.
Summers Group Inc.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Berkshire4wheelers Inc., 44 Arbor Lane, Agawam 01001. Robert Lacoste, 35 Doughlass St., Keene, NH 03431. Vasilios Pananas, 44 Arbor Lane, Agawam 01001, treasurer. (Nonprofit) To promote the responsible and safe use of four (4) wheel drive vehicles, maintain existing trails, etc.

BELCHERTOWN

Mi Great Ideas Inc., 376 Stebbins Ave., Belchertown 01007. Marilyn R. Iannaccone, same. Sale of various products at trade shows, flea markets, and other venues.

CHICOPEE

ABA Convenience Inc., 1031 Chicopee St., Chicopee 01013. Faisal R. Khan, 59 New Ludlow Road, Chicopee 01020. To operate a convenience store and gas station.

Chicopee Public Library Foundation Inc., 339 Front St., Chicopee 01013. Carl E. Sittard, 38 Fletcher Circle, Chicopee 01020. (Nonprofit) To support the restoration, improvement, and function of the Chicopee Public Library, etc.

Maun Convenience Inc., 810 Meadow St., Chicopee 01013. Mehreen S. Ahmed, 8 Osceola Lane, Longmeadow 01106. To operate a convenience store and gas station.

National Amateur Fight League Inc., 327 East St., Chicopee 01020. Louis A. Thouin, III, same. To carry on the business of Martial Arts and Boxing, training, managing, and competing throughout the USA, etc.

EASTHAMPTON

Sisyphus Woodworking Inc., 1 Cottage St., Easthampton 01027. Gregory W. Larson, 9 David St., Easthampton 01027. Woodworking education and related activity.

HADLEY

Dennis R. Bernashe Electrical Inc., 46 East Carew St., Unit No. 2, South Hadley 01075. Dennis R. Bernsahe, 1 Island Road, Holland, 01521. Electrical contractor.

HAMPDEN

AllBrite Restoration Inc., 51 Oak Knoll Dr., Hampden 01036. Vincent Mineo, 147 Maple St., Hampden 01036. Maintenance and restoration.

HOLYOKE

Mary’s Meadow at Providence Place Inc., 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke 01040. Joan Mullen, same. (Nonprofit) To continue providing high quality, mission-driven services to members of the Sisters of Providence, etc.

Massachusetts Academy of Ballet Educational Training Association Inc., 4 Open Square Way, Holyoke 01040. Charles Flachs, 113 Amherst Road, South Hadley 01075. (Nonprofit) To educate residents of Holyoke and area about the art of classical ballet at schools, senior centers, etc.

LONGMEADOW

Five Star Anesthesia Service, PC, 103 Blueberry Hill Road, Longmeadow 01106. Syed Asad Rizvi, same. To engage in the practice of anesthesiology.

ORANGE

Grrr! Gear Inc., 84 Prescott Lane, Orange 01364. Christine A. Noyes, same. Wholesale and retail sale of apparel and sporting goods.

  

RUSSELL

Pavel’s Construction Inc., 56 Patriots Path, Russell 01071. Pavel Usatyy, same. Construction.

SPRINGFIELD

B4You Inc., 608 Main St., Springfield 01104. Mukesh Patel, 120 Hannah Niles Way, Braintree 02184. Convenience store.

F & T & A Inc., 71 Wexford St., Springfield 01118. Thomas Grimaldi, same. Rental real estate.

Family Pizzeria Europa Jerry Inc., 715 Sumner Ave., Springfield 01108. Gennaro Buonfiglio, 141 Blueberry Hill Road, Longmeadow 01106. Pizza restaurant.

Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation, 19 Harrison Ave., Springfield 01102. Thomas R. Burton, same. (Foreign corp; DE) To provide funding to support charitable causes and community development activities.

Jennings Real Estate Services Inc., 73 Chestnut St., Springfield 01103. Kevin M. Jennings, same. Real estate.

Mano A Mano Mission Foundation Inc., 55 Pendleton Ave., Springfield 01109. William Ortiz, same. (Nonprofit) To promote positive spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health to the young, old, widows, aliens and the spiritual warriors of Christ, etc.

Valley Radio Reading Service Inc., 1 Federal St., Springfield 01105. Catherine Banks, 33 Beechwood Ave., Springfield 01108. (Nonprofit) To provide blind-and print-impaired Western Massachusetts individuals with current information from print media, etc.

WESTFIELD

Merchamp U.S.A. Inc., 116 Wildflower Circle, Westfield 01085. John McKiernan, Unit 7, Baldoyle Estate, Dublin, IRL. Con A. Daly, 116 Wildflower Circle, Westfield 01085, agent. Sales of eyewear and related products.

Traveler-er Inc., 94 Falley Dr., Westfield 01085. Thomas R. Mihalek, same. Medical software for travelers in emergencies.

TRM Consultants Inc., 94 Falley Dr., Westfield 01085. Thomas R. Mihalek, same. Marketing, strategic planning, and governmental affairs.

Westfield Youth Lacrosse Inc., 31 Gladwin Dr., Westfield 01085. Paul Jones, same. (Nonprofit) To promote and support youth lacrosse athletes for local, statewide national and international lacrosse competitions, etc.

WILBRAHAM

Hapi World Inc., 16 Hemingway Road, Wilbraham 01095. Omar Faruk, MD, same. (Nonprofit) To establish mobile health clinics and ultimately to build hospitals to provide free basic medical care to the sick and poor worldwide, etc.

Lawn Partners Inc., 1223 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham 01095. David F. Elliot, same. Chemical lawn care.

‘Classroom’ Programs Educate and Inspire

By
Opinion

This is not your father’s — or your mother’s — field trip. Not by a long shot.

It might start and end the same way as that visit to Mystic Seaport or the Boston Science Museum back in the ’60s or ’70s did — with a bus ride — but that may be the only thing a day spent as a participant in programs staged by The World Is Our Classroom has in common with those stops from a generation ago.

The WIOC program, now in its sixth year, places a classroom, as well as a working laboratory, in a company, and in so doing, it opens students’ eyes to much more than an exhibit on dinosaurs or a whaling vessel. It provides learning-while-doing lessons in science and technology, while also exposing young people to the world of work and possible career opportunities.

Thus, they present win-win-win (we need a lot of ‘wins’ here) scenarios for this region’s business community and individual companies. In short, this is a unique and special program that we can hope can be expanded to include students in more area communities, especially those with lower-income populations that need exposure to career opportunities and perhaps some inspiration to aspire to such careers.

Overall, WIOC shows that the business community can play a key role in strengthening our region’s cities and towns by helping to educate young people and, in the process, create a larger, better workforce.

The World Is Our Classroom was created in large part out of need. United Water, which manages water- and wastewater-treatment systems across the country, was mandated to provide some form of educational community outreach as a condition of a 20-year, $263 million contract it was awarded in 2000 to manage the Springfield Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility at Bondi’s Island.

The company’s answer was to go beyond the ‘adopt-a-high-school’ strategy it had taken elsewhere, and instead implement a program that would take thousands of young people through the plant each year, providing valuable lessons carefully designed to help with performance on the MCAS exams along the way.

Taking a good idea and making it even better, the company created a nonprofit group, The World Is Our Classroom, to expand on the concept and take it to more companies and communities. In recent years, Hazen Paper Company in Holyoke and Mestek Inc. in Westfield have signed on as participating companies.

Each business, working in concert with WIOC instructors and officials at area colleges, including Springfield College, Holyoke Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College, has crafted its own ‘curriculum’ to engage and educate young people and then test them on what they’ve learned.

The lessons come in many forms and on a number of levels, touching on everything from simple machinery to natural processes like evaporation to the value of teamwork in problem-solving and reaching shared goals. The programs are designed mostly for fifth-graders, but some are tailored for high-school students.

Both constituencies learn about much more than why and how wastewater is treated at Bondi’s. They also learn about the world of work and gain exposure to job opportunities they might not have thought existed here — opportunities in manufacturing, but also in management, engineering, design, and quality control.

These are important lessons to impart at a time when companies in many sectors are struggling to find enough qualified talent and when the so-called brain drain has reached the status of a serious economic-development challenge.

A trip to Hazen and an exercise in making paper is not going to change a young person’s life. It’s also not going to solve that company’s workforce issues for the year 2020. But it will get a child thinking — about the planet and about possibilities.

These are good things that we hope can inspire this region’s business community to step up and do things that can make a difference — things like putting a classroom in a company.

OPINION

By
Opinion
The State Is Thinking Big on Energy

Thinking big is not something new to Massachusetts. It was a president from here who declared his goal in 1961 to put someone on the moon, and less than a decade later the country did. In the 1970s, the government wanted a communications network that would survive a nuclear attack, and in Cambridge the Internet was born. When the demand for computers spread to private business, Digital Equipment invented the minicomputer here in 1964. And today, the state is at the leading edge of the biotech revolution. The list of big ideas that have been realized here is long and dramatic.

Gov. Deval Patrick, who is often accused of being big-idea-happy, has touched the surface of an idea that could once again put us at the forefront of another technology revolution. The governor recently advanced a program that will provide incentives for the development and use of solar panels in this state and does so in a way that is economically feasible.

The idea is so good that it encouraged a local company, Evergreen Solar, to stay and manufacture its product in this state rather than take it to Germany, which was its original intention.

It’s funny how far a little government support can go to stimulate economic activity.

Now imagine what would happen if Massachusetts became a haven for any company that produced new energy-saving technology.

Susan Hockfield, the president of MIT, has taken a leadership role in addressing the energy issue and has met with political and industry leaders to look at what role research institutions can play in addressing these challenges.

MIT has the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, which focuses exclusively on issues related to energy and environmental policy in order to support both government and industry in decision-making. MIT is also organizing the MIT Clean Energy Entrepreneurship Prize, which will give a $200,000 award for commercially viable energy ideas. MIT is a resource that no other state in America has and gives Massachusetts instant credibility on this subject.

But MIT cannot go it alone, and the opportunity before the state requires a full-court press from the governor’s office to create our equivalent of President Kennedy’s call to put a man on the moon.

If the governor’s office, with support from U.S. Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, spearheads a sweeping initiative that sets a two-decade goal of producing enough new energy-saving products and technologies from Massachusetts to free the country from its addiction to fossil fuel, the impact would be global. It would also energize the state’s economy, which ranks 49th in job creation.

Unlike the federal government, which is headed by a president from an oil-producing state, Massachusetts has no obvious conflicts of interest. Indeed, given the state’s climate, the need for creating economical solutions to the country’s energy problems is particularly acute.

To find the precedent for individual states creating de facto national policy, one need only to look at California, which has driven the automobile emission standards for the rest of the country. Massachusetts can do the same for other energy issues.

Though a combination of creative tax incentives, free utilization of surplus state land for energy-related manufacturing, streamlined approval processes, state grants, encouragement of university participation, commitments to purchase these new technologies for state use, incentives for Massachusetts residents to purchase home-grown technologies, rewards for products brought quickly to market, accelerated depreciation for venture investments, and incentives for technology companies to relocate to Massachusetts, the state could well become the nation’s center of energy technology. Massachusetts may also help change the world in the process.

Bruce A. Percelay is chairman of the Mount Vernon Co. This article first appeared in the Boston Globe.

By
Departments

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

Adomako, Albert
102 Winthrop St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/08

Anthony, Shannon L.
39 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Ardito, Christine E.
73 Barret St., Apt. 5152
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Avery, Peter S.
Avery, Priscilla B.
a/k/a Haynsworth, Priscilla B.
263 Riverbend St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/09/08

Brule, Albert J.
17 Riverside Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Canning, Dennis J.
50 Oak Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Carder, Jennifer
3 Editha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Conry, Bridget
20 Schuyler St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Coons, Gregory A.
Coons, Amy B.
1 Wright Place
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Cruz, Heriberto
20 Portland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Cuisine du Soleil, LLC,
Darmon, Veronica L.
25 Ice Pond Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Cunningham, Lawrence E.
Cunningham, Kathleen J.
2 Pleasant Terr.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/08

Denault, Todd
54 Kane St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Destromp, Clinton R.
65 Congress Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Dolat, Kathleen A.
85 North Main St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Doyle, Jason Desmond
160 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Dvorchak, Thomas
Dvorchak, Debora A.
18 T Peck Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Finney, Mable
117 Almira Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/03/08

Fitzpatrick, Francis J.
87 Davis St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Flores, Ramona
262 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Glenn, Douglas
Glenn, Dale T.
45 View St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Graves, Shirley
40 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Griffith, Shirley M.
6 Roosevelt Terr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Higgins, Ronald R.
324 Grogan Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/08

Howland, Philip C.
Howland, Jennifer J.
77 Virginia St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Hunter, Cynthia A.
57 Talcott Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/08

Jasikiewicz, Joseph
666 Main St.
PO Box 209
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Knowlton, Kathryn
37 Girard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

  

Laurino, Thomas J.
185 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/08

Lawrence, Robert J.
Lawrence, Charlotte L.
36 Queen St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Long, Donald E.
Long, Mary B.
171 Higher Brook Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Martel, Duane William
Martel, Donna Kathleen
a/k/a Simmoneau, Donna K.
1 Chester Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/08

McDowell, Keven G.
60 Walter St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Mendez, Mildred
135 Meetinghouse Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/08

Neurofeedback Foundation
Bachers, Alan G.
32 Elizabeth St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Newman, Stuart E.
37 Poole Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Pesima, Desmond Joseph
418 Meadow St., Unit A8
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/08

Polanco, Tania C.
a/k/a Polanco-Zapata, Tania C.
99 Eastern Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Pomponio, Peter A.
73 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/08

Popp, Charles Albert
296 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/08

Prouty, Douglas Charles
12 Greenpoint Cir.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Richter, Stuart D.
Antico, Nicole J.
a/k/a Richter, Nicole J.
113 Westwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Ron’s Drill Service
Colby, Ronald G.
340 Cold Spring Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Salcedo, Angel L.
396-398 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Salmond, Sherri A.
992 Riceville Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/08

Scirocco, Giovanna
209 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/08

Stuckey, Geraldine
17 Benoit Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/08

Sullivan, Michael A.
Sullivan, Wendy J.
a/k/a Pluta, Wendy J.
25 O’Connell Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Talbot, Jean M.
132 Mayfair Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

Trudeau, Roger J.
485 South St., Apt. 304
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Vighi, Scot Christopher
Vighi, Bridget
20 Schuyler St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Whitsette, Annette M.
92 Lorimer St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/08

Wnorowski, Harriet A.
22 Elizabeth St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/08

Woodard, Daniel P.
214 Winchester Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/04/08

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Six Flags
1756 Main St.
$52,000 — Install automatic sprinkler system in Human Resource building

AMHERST

Amherst Associates Inc.
376-370 Northampton Road
$4,000 — Install new handrails and guards for exterior stairs

Amherst Associates Inc.
368-362 Northampton Road
$5,000 — Install new handrails and guards for exterior stairs

Amherst Associates Inc.
358-352 Northampton Road
$4,000 — Install new handrails and guards for exterior stairs

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Housing Authority
Stonina Dr.
$139,000 — Termite repair

George Whitehead
625 McKinstry Ave.
$35,000 — Install 33 replacement windows

Hawthorne Services Inc.
93 Main St.
$75,000 — Renovate meeting room, main room, and lodge room

Walgreen’s
1195 Granby Rd.
$1,200,000 — Construction of a new Walgreen’s store

EAST LONGMEADOW

East Longmeadow Center Village LLP
32 Center Square
$40,000 — Retail build out of Kate Gray

Henrod Holdings LLC
81 Maple St.
$91,000 – Remodel second floor and handicap ramp

Town of East Longmeadow/Verizon Wireless
Prospect Street Water Tower
$141,000 — Cell tower

GREENFIELD

Antonio Siano
392 Deerfield St.
$12,000 — Re-roof

HADLEY

220 Russell Street LLC
220 Russell Street
$317,000 — Create office space in existing building

  

Randall Roberts
47 Russell St.
$3,000 — Interior renovations

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$622,000 — Remodel Burlington Coat store

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$78,200 — Remodel Hallmark store

Holyoke Medical Center
575 Beech St.
$16,000 — Interior renovations for new machines

NORTHAMPTON

PowerTenInTwo LLC
21 Conz St.
$92,000 — 5,400-square-foot retail build out

PALMER

Presidential Realty Corporation
21 Wilbraham St.
$20,000 — Add office spaces and display area

SPRINGFIELD

3640 Main Street LLC
3640 Main St.
$692,000 — Create new medical offices in existing first floor

HDC Four LLC
575 St. James Ave.
$440,000 — Construct 4,000-square-foot convenience store

Springfield Holdings LLC
926 Worthington St.
$10,000 — Exterior repairs

Springfield Holdings LLC
895 Worthington St.
$15,000 — Exterior repairs

Yanbul Lokman
52 Pinevale St.
$5,000 — Replace walls & ceiling

WEST SPRINGFIELD

NPN Realty
425 Union St.
$10,000 — New roof

By
Departments

MMWEC, Evergreen Solar Announce Project

LUDLOW — The Mass. Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) recently announced it is working with Evergreen Solar Inc. to advance solar-power opportunities for customers of Massachusetts municipal utilities. MMWEC and Evergreen Solar are installing pilot photovoltaic (PV) systems on schools, municipal buildings, and other high-profile sites in communities served by municipal utilities. These installations will serve to promote renewable energy and as a visual statement of MMWEC’s commitment to solar power in conjunction with Gov. Deval Patrick’s “Commonwealth Solar” program. Additionally, MMWEC plans to work with Evergreen Solar to develop a municipal program that will provide incentives for municipal utility customers to purchase solar systems for both residential and commercial installations.

Berkshire Chamber Redesigns Web Site

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has redesigned its Web site with a new site interface, enhanced navigation, and site map reorganization. The new site will also allow the Chamber to update important information including networking events, newsletters, event photo galleries, and up-to-date member business information. A searchable online directory of member businesses has also been enhanced through the implementation of new Web-based software created especially for membership organizations such as chambers of commerce. In addition, members will access an improved members-only subsection through a secure user name and password assigned by the chamber. The members-only area will allow users to update company and individual information, and post news releases and events to provide increased exposure for member businesses. The Web site also features event registration enhancements, allowing registrants to register other employees from their company through a few simple clicks. The new site is located at www.berkshirechamber.com

Baystate Tax Service Expands

AMHERST — Richard Holbrook of Baystate Tax Service has recently added offices in Bernardston and Amherst. Baystate Tax Service specializes in small-business and individual tax compliance, and also offers bookkeeping and payroll services in addition to consulting. Holbrook is a 20-year veteran of offering public accounting, tax compliance, and consulting services.

MassMutual Offers Elite Advisor Program

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division is introducing a new Elite Advisor Program that recognizes loyal retirement-plan advisors who consistently strive to provide outstanding service to MassMutual retirement plans. Charter members of MassMutual’s new program who have already met the criteria will be notified of their qualification over the next several weeks. For more information, call MassMutual at (866) 444-2601.

Merrill Lynch Supports Falcons

SPRINGFIELD — Merrill Lynch has purchased a major season-ticket package to help the Springfield Falcons launch its season-ticket drive, according to Bruce Landon, Falcons president. Merrill Lynch has committed to 50 Falcons youth full-season ticket packages and 10 adult full-season ticket packages for the 2008-09 season. Landon noted that Merrill Lynch’s commitment to the team is the type of corporate involvement the Falcons need for its ticket drive to “get off on the right foot.” The ticket packages will be used as part of the Falcons Friends Program, an initiative that will provide local youth groups throughout the Pioneer Valley and northern Conn. with tickets to Falcons’ home games throughout the 2008-09 campaign. The goal of the Falcons’ current season-ticket-package campaign is 500 new packages by June 1. For more information on the program, call (413) 739-3344.

Have Computer Stress? Need a Massage?

NORTHAMPTON — From now through mid-summer, TechCavalry Inc. will be giving away free 30-minute massages to clients with the most stressful computer issues. During daily door-to-door services for both small businesses and the home user, TechCavalry technicians will be on the lookout for the most stressed-out clients who could benefit from a massage. TechCavalry has teamed up with Karen LeTourneau Massage to revitalize not only one’s technology but also one’s mental well-being. TechCavalry services include server installations, PC and Mac hardware and software installation, operating system upgrades, Internet set-up and assistance, security checks, networking, data cleaning, PC and Mac tune-ups, training, virus detection, digital camera set-up, accessory installation, printer troubleshooting, and childproofing. For more information, visit www.techcavalry.com or call (413) 586-7070.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Blimpie Sub & Salads
1325 Springfield St.
Alan Lowell

Chamberlin Construction
77 Maple St.
Todd J. Chamberlin

Dragon Conditioning
75 Christopher Lane
Phil McGeoghan

E.B. Specialty Chicken
385 Walnut St.
Edward P. Borgatti

Hampden Fence Supply Co.
80 Industrial Lane
Robert Wilmes

Mahoney Enterprises
9 North Westfield St.
David Mahoney

Modern Landscapes
250 Suffield St.
Jeffery Ogorzalek

R.C. Designers
60 Kellogg Ave.
Roland Cormier

The Milkman & Company
233 Main St.
Terril Mancuso

Richy’s Tree Service
4 Nicole Terr.
Richard B’Shara

RNK Auto Sales
28 Moylan Ave.
Gary Nardi

Spectrum Consulting
188 Mallard Circle
Duane Clauson

Untold Stories
129 South Park Terr.
Kenneth Elsner

CHICOPEE

Constable’s Office
6 Center St.
Scott D. Goodkowsky

Kelly Goodkowsky Massage Therapy
10 Center St.
Kelly Goodkowsky

Lulu
1889 Memorial Dr.
Loraine M. Lowling-Kwiat

New England Pellett LLC
50 George St.
Richard R. Carbonneau

EAST LONGMEADOW

Classic Pro
78 Parker St.
Mark Mushenko

Moriarty Dogtown
111 Pleasant St.
Kevin Michael Moriarty

The Pyncheon House
41 Hampden Road
John E. Thurner

York Boiler of Western Mass.
259 Chestnut St.
Glenn H. Fish

GREENFIELD

Country Hyundai Inc.
45 Courain Road
Roy Hebert

Eugene’s Elite Construction
403 Adams St.
Eugene Darmanchev

Nic Nac Shak
268 Federal St.
Laurie Croteau

Poet Seat Auto Appraisal
189 High St.
Brian Atherton

Western Mass Food Processing Center
324 Well St.
John Waite

HADLEY

CAV Motors
12 Russell St.
William Cavanaugh

TDK Plumbing & Heating
28 Lawrence Plain Road
Timothy Kicza

The Publishing Collaborative
269 Bay Road
James Bothwell

HOLYOKE

260 Easthampton Rd. Operation Co., LLC
260 Easthampton Road
Mark Partyka

Arts of Politics
4 Open Square Way
Maggie Bergen

Maranata Grocery Store
910 Dwight St.
Carlos M. Oviedo

Tony’s Shop
451 High St.
Virgin Lopez

Value Discount Inc.
369 High St.
Abdul Sattar

LUDLOW

9 to 5 Business Solutions
1 Swan Ave.
Carmina Fernandes

Biermann Plumbing & Heating
23 Oregon Road
Kevin J. Biermann

Larry’s Auto Body
340 West St.
Craig Gridley

Steve Santos Landscaping
16 Palmer St.
Stephen Santos

NORTHAMPTON

City Sports Grille
525 Pleasant St.
Bowl New England Inc.

  

Computronics
69 Drewson Dr.
Robert C. Staples

Delap Real Estate LLC
158 North King St.
Dennis J. Delap

J.W. Pottery
2 Conz St.
Jennifer J. Wiseman

Intended Action Life Coaching
66 West St.
Elizabeth Golden

Kommineni Art Glass
1 Bratton Court
Rajesh Kommineni

PALMER

Universal Construction
58 Olney Road
Patrick J. Cavanaugh

SOUTH HADLEY

Bella Vita Full Service Salon & Spa
491 Granby Road
Thomas Williams

SOUTHWICK

Spike’s Custom Design
280 College Highway
Larry Pelletier

SPRINGFIELD

2gb Entertainment
147 Leyfred Terr.
Jerome B. Riley

Black Diamond Transport
1801 Page Boulevard
Lewis A. Crapser

Daly Appraisal Services
40 Bangor St.
James M. Daly

Deliso Financial & Insurance
1537 Main St.
Jean Marie Deliso

Dieni Property Services
23 Chilson St.
Jason M. Dieni

Dogg Shop Music Spot
463 State St.
Harry Valentin

Executive K9
87 Hanson St.
Michael Kitchen

Gator Jazz Enterprises
63 Green Lane
Walter D. Woodgett

Gaudino’s
99 Union St.
Charles Pasquale

Global Ventures Inc.
56 Narragansett St.
Younes Bakr

Gonzalez Market
520-524 Chestnut St.
Pedro Gonzalez

Integral Services
272 Main St.
Frederick Maravanyika

Jackson & Mayers Investment
53 Thompson St.
Karla Lynn Jackson

Joseph Realty
90 Allen St.
Stanley Joseph

Kara
1500 Main St.
Diane Evans

Kennedy Construction
110 Mary Coburn Road
Thomas X. Kennedy

Le Sparkle Cleaning Services
53B Lawndale St.
Sandra Barnett

WESTFIELD

Brazee Finance
135 North Elm St.
Joyce Brazee

Chad’s Oasis
12 School St.
Kristen Rigg

CollegePrepExpress
38 Thomas St.
Michael Youmans Ph.D

Michael Mottola Electric
15 Western Circle
Michael Mottola

Stop & Go
35 Mill St.
Nuzhat Aziz

Quick Food
358 Southwick Road
Tehseen Begum

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Corner Pantry
723 Main St.
Iqbal Murtaza

Gooseberry Skin Care
448 Gooseberry Road
Debra Jean Cunningham

Homestead Improvement Service
58 Homestead Ave.
John Sherman

Letlong Labor Service
455 Union St.
Hong V. Tram

Ready Motors
2405 Westfield Road
Victor Meyko

Rocky’s West Side Wheel and Frame
44 Mulberry St.
Ewect Inc.

Western Mass Property Management
208 Labelle St.
Leonard Cowles

By
Departments

Celebrating Black History

On Feb. 23, Springfield Technical Community College hosted a Black History Month lecture series that featured Dr. Touissant King Hill, above, a cousin of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke on behalf of the King family; Dr. Julius Garvey.

Above, youngest son of Marcus M. Garvey, considered the father of contemporary Black Nationalism, who spoke about his father’s legacy;

And Roger Steffens, biographer of Bob Marley (seen on the screen behind him), who showed archival film footage of the late singer. The 4th annual Black History Month lecture series was sponsored by WTCC-FM, the STCC Diversity Council, and Roots and Branches, a subsidiary of Lindsay Entertainment Network.

Sim-ply Generous

MassMutual recently made a $150,000 donation to Springfield Technical Community College’s School of Health and Patient Simulation. Above, the donation will allow STCC to create a high-level surgical simulation suite through renovations, upgrades, and new equipment purchases. Trish Robinson, senior vice president and head of Government Relations at MassMutual, delivers a symbolic check to STCC President Ira Rubenzahl. Students, from left to right, are: Saraya Markham-Warren, Cherie Rodriguez, Tasheen Khan, Franklin Eboso, Edyth Mello, Kristen Beiermeister, Kalie Cadieux, Robin Desrusseaux, Derrick Donahue, Crystal Branton, Mandi Babcock, Betsy Wassmann, and Gary Myler.

Taking Action

More than 2,000 nurses from around the world attended the 39th Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International, Honor Society for Nurses, in Baltimore recently. The theme was Vision to Action: Global Health through Collaborations. Nurses from 33 countries presented 850 presentations describing research and projects designed to improve worldwide health care by advancing nursing science, practice, education, administration, and policy development. The local Beta Zeta at Large Chapter received the seventh Chapter Key Award, which honors chapters that excel in chapter-related activities, such as membership recruitment and retention, publicity and programming, and professional and leadership development. Pictured here from left to right are: front, Meghan Midghall, Joyce Thielan, Kathleen Scoble, and Sheila Rucki; back, Brian Bracci, Gail Bean, Micheline Asselin, Donna Zucker, Jean Walachy, Deb Dickson, and Karen Rousseau.

By
Departments

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

Arbuzov, Pavel V.
Arbuzov, Natalya
42 Bridge St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

Arcidiacono, Shawn R.
7 HomeCrest Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

Barfitt, Ronald G
213 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Bartle, Keith M
19 Castlegate Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Bowens, Lonnie
185 New Ludlow Road, Apt. 111-L
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

Brackney, Robert G.
Brackney, Johanna B.
13 Pisgah Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/07

Candelaria, Sonia
414 Canon Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Carter, Rodney
6 Danaher Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/28/07

Carver, Cathy Louise
a/k/a Marshall, Cathy Louise
52 Irene St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/07

Chagnon, Roland Richard
Chagnon, Rachel Lee
PO Box 18
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Clement, Albert Charles
121 Island Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Clingman, Charline D.
14 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Cole, Marie A
17 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

D/B/A F C R Suspension
Binney, Michael
237 West St
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

D’Amours, Dorene Anne
43B North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

De Leo, Kerri E.
76 Ashfield Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Dobiecki, Charlene
110 Nora Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Dordine, Michael
Dordine, Virginia M.
36 Daniel Aq.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/07

Dorman, John R.
Dorman, Gail A.
40 Adams St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/24/07

Dugay, Lori J.
15 Lavender Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Espada, Rosa I.
8 Vermont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

Favreau, Cecile M
492 South West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

Foley, Deborah M.
45 Fairview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/07

Francis, Edward W.
Francis, Linda J.
81 Quaboag Valley Co-Op.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

Geiger, Gordon M.
178 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Gifford, Nellie A.
78 Brickyard Court
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/07

Granger, Kathleen
25 Roanoke Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/27/07

Hamblin, David P.
113 Warren RD.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/02/08

Hanson, Glen E.
61 Appleton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Hatfield, Jason Johnathen
109 Grape St., Apt. Q
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/28/07

Hawkins, Kenneth L.
109 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

Higgins, Jenean M
45 Orange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/07

 

Hudela, Piotr S.
48 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/07

Johnson, Donald L.
155 River St., Apt. 3M
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Keaton, Jason
43 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/07

King, Brian David
9 East Hampton Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

Kirk, Cheryl A.
162 1/2 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/08

Laplante, Kevin M.
Laplante, Charlene M.
71 Hathorne St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/16/07

Lessard, Charles E.
Lessard, Kathleen R.
26 Gunn Road Extension
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/07

Lopez, Sol Virginia
207 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Majgier, Ann Marie
46 Warren St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Masotti, Frances
348 Park St., #209
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/07

McAnanama, Donna F.
45 Dogwood Lane
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/07

Miller, Kellie J.
275 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/07

Mullarkey, Matthew J.
Mullarkey, Nicole M.
11 Fowler Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Nevue, Anthony Jude
Nevue, Annette Diane
150 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/07

Nooney, Donald J.
25 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

O’Brien, Marie JoAnn
6 Hilltop St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/07

Ortiz, Hommy Enid
Ortiz, Kayra
84 Andrew St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

Ramonas, Roy V.
20 Murray Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/18/07

Rivera, Abraham
Rivera, Kelly A.
3 Weston St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/07

Rivera, Dalein
88 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Ryan, Rose Marie T.
603 Berkshire Ave, Apt A-
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/26/07

Schneider, Karen M.
36 Park St
Turner’s Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Seegars, Carolyn A.
58 Mapleshade Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

Serrano, Francisco
37 Whitmore Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/07

Slaimen, Tania M.
a/k/a DeMarco, Tania M.
a/k/a Albano, Tania M.
P.O. Box 80027
Springfield, MA 01138
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/07

Slick, Frances M.
57 Chase Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/08

Snow, Elizabeth M.
46 Boynton Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/07

Soto, Julio C.
51 James St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/07

Stone, Jeffrey Bruce
Stone, Elizabeth Jean Antonel
38 Maplecrest Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/27/07

Walunas, Joseph G.
39 Ward Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/07

West, Judith A.
11 Plymouth Ave.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/07

By
Departments

Business Confidence Index Drops Off Sharply

BOSTON — The Business Confidence Index measured by the Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM) dropped 2.9 points in January to 50.6, its lowest reading since October 2003, as a sharp slowdown in economic activity brought the state to the edge of recession. “The Commerce Department’s figures for national growth and the reported loss of jobs nationally in January, as well as MassBenchmarks’ indices for the state economy, all point to the end of expansion,” said Raymond G. Torto, Ph.D., global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors. “The AIM Index shows that while Massachusetts employers may not be resigned to a contraction, they certainly believe that the situation is precarious.” While the overall confidence level was still barely positive, above 50 on the 100-point scale, Massachusetts employers rated current business conditions negatively, and conditions in the state slightly worse than those prevailing nationally. “The Index had weakened in the second half of last year, but within a seven-point band [60.2-53.2] where it had been through 2005, 2006, and 2007,” Torto added. “January’s decline, the fifth in six months, dropped it more than two points below that range, and more than six points below its 17-year average.” Commenting on the January Business Confidence Index, Richard C. Lord, AIM’s president and CEO, said, “I’m not ready to call this a recession — and neither are our members — but the danger is there, and a drastic slowdown is certainly at hand. Business conditions in Massachusetts have been rated negatively for four of the past five months, and employers report essentially no job growth, and weakening sales.” The monthly Business Confidence Index, initiated by AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors in July 1991, is based on a survey of AIM member companies across Massachusetts, asking questions about current and prospective business conditions in the state and nation, as well as for respondents’ own operations. On the index’s 100-point scale, a reading above 50 indicates that the state’s employer community is predominantly optimistic, while a reading below 50 points to a negative assessment of business conditions. A number of component sub-indices are derived by analyzing responses to selected questions or those of particular groups of respondents.

ACCGS Unveils 2008 Legislative Agenda

SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) Inc. recently unveiled its legislative agenda for 2008 as part of its annual Outlook program. The issues are all in keeping with the board of directors’ continuing efforts to ensure that the cost of doing business in Massachusetts is reasonable and to ensure that chamber member businesses are economically competitive in today’s marketplace. Legislative Steering Committee members note that with an ’09 state budget based on a growth rate of 3.8%, a need for key new investments is in order to grow the economy. Areas that should be looked at include infrastructure, local aid, higher education/job training, and health care. Members feel strongly that investments in these areas would encourage economic growth and enable employers to compete in today’s market. Additionally, members feel that unemployment insurance reforms still need to be made, as well as the passage of the Truth in Hiring legislation. On health care, the ACCGS supported Massachusetts’ new health care reform legislation and will continue to be at the forefront of influencing its implementation. The chamber also continues to support affordable health care products and plans that will shift the cost of cross-subsidization of the uninsured away from employers and employees. Also, the chamber will continue to oppose the Nurse-to-Patient Ratio Bill. Members feel the bill proposes rigid and unrealistic levels of hospital nurse staffing in order to appease only one segment of hospital care providers. On Springfield’s financial situation, the ACCGS will continue to monitor issues specific to the city, from the Control Board’s makeup to specific economic-development projects. The Legislative Steering Committee is comprised of 31 business professionals who are members of the ACCGS. The committee has four subcommittees that perform in-depth research on specific issues. The committees are Budget, Workplace Issues, Health Care, and Outreach.

Samuel’s Sports Bar & Tavern Slates Second Outlet at Hoop Hall

SPRINGFIELD — Samuel’s Sports Bar & Tavern will open a second Samuel’s this summer at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Citing record growth at the 1019 Main St. location over the past four years, owner and president Edward J. Grimaldi felt the opportunity and timing was right to expand Samuel’s Tavern into the redeveloping riverfront area. Grimaldi expects to use the 6,000-square-foot space that was formerly occupied by a McDonald’s.

Patrick Administration Releases Defense Sector Report

BOSTON — The Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) and MassDevelopment recently released an economic impact study of federal defense spending in Massachusetts. Conducted for MassDevelopment by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, the report pegs the state’s defense economy at $14.7 billion. According to the report, 2,435 Massachusetts companies received federal contracts for defense-related goods and services in FY 2005. The contracts supported 32,240 direct jobs, while defense-related activity generated an additional 39,187 jobs statewide. The dollar value of the contracts plus salaries paid to in-state military personnel and retirees was $9.2 billion and generated an additional $5.5 billion in related economic activity, for a total of $14.7 billion in direct and indirect spending. The defense sector is a significant economic driver for Massachusetts, according to Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Daniel O’Connell, adding, the state must protect its position in this important arena, and nurture its growth. As a result, Gov. Deval Patrick has directed the Mass. Office of Business Development and MassDevelopment to work with the state’s Congressional delegation, institutions, and industry leaders to preserve and expand programming at military bases in the state, redevelop closed facilities, support cost-saving efficiencies at operating installations, and support businesses seeking defense contract work in Massachusetts. The MassDevelopment/Donahue Institute study, “The Massachusetts Defense Industry: Characteristics and Economic Impact,” tracked and analyzed the scale and value of defense and security contracts awarded to Massachusetts companies; identified key subsectors, products, and services; compiled employment and payroll data; and investigated research and development awards to in-state firms and institutions. The full study is available at www.massdevelopment.com/massachusettsdefenseindustry.pdf

MassMutual Research: Myths Exist about Retirement Confidence

SPRINGFIELD — New research recently released by MassMutual Financial Group reveals a surprising contrast in consumers’ confidence about retirement preparedness and their actual savings behavior that could help shape the next generation of retirement savings solutions. The research study, conducted by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), included responses from more than 17,000 individuals participating in some 2,300 employer-sponsored retirement savings plans administered by MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division. In examining the relationship between savings confidence and actual savings behavior, the study found that individuals who save more and are more active in managing their retirement savings actually are less confident in their retirement security and the retirement decisions they make compared to individuals with lower savings rates. A key finding showed that those who are more active in managing their retirement savings (79%) are also more eager for help and information about investments and investing vs. those who are less active (47%). The study was conducted by participants visiting the MassMutual Retirement Services Division Web site in September and October 2007.

Survey: Recruiting Remains Top Concern

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Recruiting experienced professionals remains a concern for many companies, a nationwide survey shows. One in five (20%) chief financial officers (CFOs) polled recently said finding skilled staff will be their greatest challenge in the next 12 months, up three points from a similar poll in 2003. Meeting customer needs was the second-biggest concern, cited by 16% of respondents. With the national unemployment rate for college-educated professionals approximately half that of the general population, competition for skilled financial talent remains strong, according to Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, developer of the survey. To attract top performers, businesses are making recruiting a year-round priority, he added. McDonald cautions, however, against automatically filling an open position without first evaluating strategic personnel requirements. By conducting an in-depth workload analysis, hiring managers can determine if there is an ongoing need that requires a full-time employee or if the work could more efficiently be performed by an interim professional or outsourced to an accounting or consulting firm, said McDonald. The survey also revealed a decrease in the number of CFOs who saw government regulation as their biggest challenge. McDonald noted that since the initial requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been met, corporate-governance policies are more established, and the focus is on repeatable processes that ensure internal control over financial reporting. The survey included responses from 1,400 CFOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 20 or more employees.

Employees Say It’s OK to Share Political Views

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Talking politics has long been considered taboo at the office, but a new survey shows most workers aren’t afraid to play pundit at work — 67% of respondents said engaging in political debate is acceptable, within reason; another 14% actually invite these conversations. Nearly four in 10 workers polled said discussing political campaigns and candidates is common practice. With the presidential election drawing near, it’s only natural for politics to be a topic of interest, according to Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam, developers of the survey. However, employees should be careful to not allow discussions of the election to become a divisive issue, she added.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Town of Agawam
68 Main St.
$100,000 — Construction of new special education classroom

CHICOPEE

Centro Properties
591B Memorial Ave.
$59,500 — Install two walk-in freezers and reach-in coolers

D & G Realty
70 North Chicopee St.
$8,200 — Renovate office space

EAST LONGMEADOW

First Congregational Church/T-Mobile
7 Somers Road
$140,000 — Wireless antenna

Pineknoll Recreation Center
1974 Allen St.
$80,000 — Roof and new siding on five buildings

GREENFIELD

Greenfield Savings Bank
201 Munson St.
$64,200 — Re-roof

Mohawk Greenfield Motel Corporation
125 Mohawk TL
$2,300 — Interior repairs

HADLEY

Anthony Gleason
10 South Maple St.
$10,000 — Construct a 460-square-foot kitchen in former storage area

Pyramid Mall of Hadley, LLC
367 Russell St.
$123,000 — Construct nail salon in existing mall

Richard Hollrock
294 Russell St.
$5,000 — Interior alterations

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$105,000 — Remodel Mrs. Fields store

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$127,000 — Remodel Spencer’s store

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$34,000 — Remodel Pandora store

NORTHAMPTON

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$973,000 — Renovate first floor for new OB practice

Don Obitz
388 King St.
$74,000 — Interior renovation of dining room & restrooms at D’Angelos

  

Richard Boyle
141 East Damon Road
$1,500 — Construct wall to divide room for waiting room & dance studio

Smith College
29 Kensington Ave.
$1,500 — Install replacement windows

St. John’s Episcopal Church
48 Elm St.
$7,200 — Replace kitchen cabinets

Sullivan & Sons Inc.
84 North St.
$50,000 — Office renovations

PALMER

John Libeda
1293 South Main St.
$2,000 — Rebuild roof over loading dock

SOUTH HADLEY

Royal Properties Investors
1 White Brook Lane
$490,000 — Renovations

SOUTHWICK

T-Mobile
22 Industrial Road
$2,400 — Cell tower attachment

SPRINGFIELD

Ellen Boynton
666 State St.
$3,000 — Construct covered walkway between Cory Café & Open Pavilion

WESTFIELD

Forish Construction
45 Broad St.
$55,0000 — Commercial renovation

Paul & Angela Polo
15 Nobel Ave.
$58,000 — Commercial addition

Westfield Bank
300 Southampton Road
$3,000 — Commercial renovation

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Alex Rassim, LLC
1142 Memorial Ave.
$26,000 — Renovate 600-square-foot of existing commercial space

Century Investments Company
239 Memorial Ave.
$35,000 — Renovate checkout counter area

Gullam Kagzi Islamic Center
377 Amostown Road
$8,700 — New commercial kitchen hood exhaust system

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

Christina A. Douglas v. Nathaniel Woods and VanPak Inc.
Allegation: Motor vehicle negligence: $24,000
Filed: 1/08/08

Roland Kolek v. A. Perreira Construction
Allegation: Seeking payment for damages to car due to improper grading of street: $1,261.36
Filed: 1/10/08

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

James E. Muenkel v. Mohawk Trail Regional School District
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing injury during gym class: $27,136.31
Filed: 12/27/07

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Frank Montaneiz v. United Parcel Service and Vincenzo Mazzeo
Allegation: Employee discrimination: $25,000
Filed: 11/26/07

Lisa Miller v. Carlo M. Buendo, CDB Realty, LLC and Reminder Publications Inc.
Allegation: Personal injury due to fall: $363,856
Filed: 11/21/07

Philip Clouter v. Wild Turkey Development, LLC
Allegation: Construction of sub-division changed water flow and floods plaintiff’s property: $50,000.00
Filed: 12/24/07

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Wells Fargo Bank N.A. v. George E. Browne Associates
Allegation: Breach of credit contract: $77,044.34
Filed: 12/24/07

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Five Star Jet Center Inc. v. Air Fleet Management Enterprise Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods received: $2,728.11
Filed: 12/21/07

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

James Kokoszyna v. Building Blocks Construction Inc.
Allegation: Negligent construction of single-family home and breach of warranty: $17,500.00
Filed: 1/16/08

Bozzuto’s Inc. v. Tenczars Superette Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods delivered: $15,419.76
Filed: 1/04/08

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Jay Marie Burgos, by her mother v. YMCA of Greater Springfield
Allegation: Negligence causing personal injury: $4,081.40
Filed: 12/19/07

Patterson Dental Supply Inc. v. Art Dental Lab Inc.
Allegation: Breach of credit agreement: $10,326.78
Filed: 12/19/07

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Anderson Associates v. Northeast Construction Services
Allegation: Non-payment of surveying services rendered: $2,040.00
Filed: 12/18/07

Cynthia Bruneau v. Wal-Mart
Allegation: Falsely accused of shoplifting: $2,000
Filed: 1/08/08

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Amgari-Com
417 Springfield St.
Cassandre Gagnon

Michael P. Losito
489 Shoemaker Lane
Michael P. Losito

The Garden
1422 Main St.
Kuldeep Sandhu

AMHERST

Amherst Landscape & Design
256 Harkness Road
Steven Prothers

Andr-Meda Translations & Language Consulting
232 Northeast St.
Molly M. Lim

Greenhorn Farm
599 South Pleasant St.
Marc D. Cesario

Hangar Pub & Grill
55 University Dr.
Harold Tramazzo

CHICOPEE

Croppers Circle
246 Montcalm St.
Kimberly Chmura

Custom Racing Hose
130 Greenwood Ter.
Barry J. Pasterczyk

Debra’s Beauty Solutions
591 Grattan St.
Debra L. Watson

Dollywood Inc.
13 View St.
Daniel J. Sypek

J.W. Landscapes
14 Clyde St.
Lukasz J. Wolanczyk

Winn Residential
68 Eastern Dr.
Winn Managed Properties

EASTHAMPTON

J.A.K. Enterprises
37 East Green St.
John A. Karakula Jr.

Pioneer Valley Crossfit
105 Pleasant St.
Sean Manseau

EAST LONGMEADOW

Premier Realtors
200 North Main St.
Michael G. Robie

Redstone Automotive
174 Shaker Road
Darrell Bosworth

Runway 73
60 Shaker Road
Amy Dodd

GREENFIELD

Alternative Merchant Services
13 Cedar St.
John Michelson

Bob’s Health Fitness & ACS
154 Main St.
Bob E. Uguccioni

Dad’s Liquor’s
402 Federal St.
Andre L. Guilmet

Genesis Massage
207 Main St.
Jennifer Schmidt

Independent Administrative & Technical Support
82 Sanderson St.
Mary Ellen Calderwood

Meadow’s Lawn Care
49 Lunt Dr.
Todd Wiles

Rubicon Solutions
41 Madison Circle
Jorge Luiz Gonzalez

V.O. Rell Enterprises
332 Deerfield St.
Dan Viorel Oros

HADLEY

CAV Motor
129 Long Pond Road
William Cavanaugh

Mountainview Auto Sales
71 Lawrence Plain Road
John Mieczkowski

HOLYOKE

E & C Services
19 Concord Ave.
Edward J. Glica

Friendly Variety Store
1373 Dwight St.
Olga Lopez

NRL Service Group LLP
50 Holyoke St.
Maria Lepkowski

Pearl Bridal Boutique
1 Open Square Way
Ryan Mainville

Tan Factory
512 Westfield Road
Darlene Chalifoux

NORTHAMPTON

Kristy’s Nails
137C Damon Road
Orehid Nguyen

Northern Light Studio
221 Pine St.
Phoebe Dent Weil

PALMER

Periera Landscaping
P.O. Box 517
John D. Perry

The NR Group
43 French Dr.
Nathan R. Olson

Wendy Deboise @ The Mane Attraction
1020 Central St.
Wendy Deboise

  

SOUTH HADLEY

DM Towing
254 Old Lyman Road
Darlene M. Forget

KennRose
4 Hunter Terrace
Michael P. Dowd

Mass Valley Plumbing
14 McDowell Dr.
Joel M. Rivera

SOUTHWICK

Wermon Enterprises
642 College Highway
Brian Drenen

Zanto
137 Sunnyside Road
Lawrence Bannish

SPRINGFIELD

Nubians Beauty Supply
874 State St.
Regina S. Haines

Oncore Manufacturing
225 Carando Dr.
Arthur James Jackson

Ortiz Professional Services
1593 Main St.
Dianna R. Lefevre

Papale Eye Center
1515 Allen St.
Center For Eye

Precision Abrasive Jet
395 Liberty St.
Robert William Willis

Precision Auto Repair
70 Union St.
James Stephenson

RECAAT
67 Northampton Ave.
Miguel Velez

Shamrock Home Improvement
31 Chase Ave.
Jason Clark Rebelo

Sheehan Financial Group
1365 Main St.
Gregory R. Sheehan

Shepherds Real Estate
87 Fountain St.
Neal Boyd

Signature
1232 Main St.
Ik Joo Moon

Strait Way Cuts
6 Johnson St.
Timothy Dwayne

Talk of the Town Restaurant
320 Wilbraham Road
Cornel Forbes

Tebaldi’s Line Right
353 Page Blvd.
Anthony J. Tebaldi

Thomas Sanitizing Solutions
120 Fargo St.
Cynthia D. Thomas

TMK
15 Crestmont St.
Tracy M. Kelly

Undercutters Heating & Company
72 Elijah St.
Robert Luis Irizarry

VIP Cuts
445 Main St.
Hector Gonzalez

Veritek Manufacturing LLC
225 Carando Dr.
Arthur James Jackson

Wheeler’s Convenience
597 Dickinson St.
Faiz Rabbani

William’s Courier Service
147 Rosemary Dr.
Jerome Timothy

Winn Residential
769 Main St.
Samuel Ross

WESTFIELD

Autos For Less
300 Main St.
Kenneth E. Scharmann

Scott’s Handyman Services
94 Pontoosic Road
Scott Rines

Speech Therapy Services
30 Court St.
Elizabeth Jury

WEST SPRINGFIELD

American Construction
24 W. School St.
Anatoly Kishko

Cabot Creamery Cooperative
958 Riverdale St.
Agri-Mark Inc.

Elite Paintball
677 Westfield St.
Marshall Royce

Marjan Transportation
79 Day St.
Bakhtiyar S. Agayen

MW Tux
1321 Riverdale St.
Men’s Wearhouse Inc.

Peachy Massage
81 Exposition Ave.
Deborah Parker

Polonez Parcel Service Inc.
143 Doty Circle
Jan A. Chrzan

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

KRIDE Inc., 68 Plantation Dr., Agawam 01001. Mark D. Benedix, 38 Old Farm Road, Somers, CT 06071. Steven D. Stark, 68 Plantation Road, Agawam 01001, treasurer. (Nonprofit) To raise funds for the research, treatment, etc., of cancer, etc.

AMHERST

Clemente Course in The Humanities Inc., The, 23 Flintlock Lane, Amherst 01002. Earl Shorris, 444 East 82nd St., Apt. 4N, New York 10028. Grace Glueck 23 Flintlock Lane, Amherst 01002, clerk. (Nonprofit) To provide free education in the humanities at the college level to the multi-generational poor in the U.S. and other countries.

Pioneer Valley Personal Training Inc., 534 Main St., Amherst 01002. Jessica P. Phaneuf, 24 North St., Hatfield 01038. Physical therapy and rehabilitation, health counseling, etc.

The Pioneer Valley Gamer Collective Inc., 48 North Pleasant St., Amherst 01002. Michael Whitehouse, 279 Amherst Road, #14, Sunderland 01375. (Nonprofit) To provide a social center for gamers and other geeks to enjoy each other and their hobby and social pursuits.

BELCHERTOWN

Marshall Color Studios Inc., 6 Berkshire Ave., Belchertown 01007. Dean Marshall, same. Technical services and prepress for apparel.

CHESTER

Gateway Little League Inc., 28 Soisalo Road, Chester 01011. Paul Graham, 23 East Windsor Road, Worthington 01098. (Nonprofit) To provide a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball games for the children of the Gateway School District, etc.

CHICOPEE

Anthony R. Kryusz, CPA, P.C. Inc., 77 Yorktown Ct., Chicopee 01020. Anthony R. Krusz, same. Public accountancy.

Flamingo Property Management Inc., 1981 Memorial Dr., Suite 147, Chicopee 01020. John P. Robillard, same. To deal in real estate and ancillary services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Henry Street Management Co. Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow 01028. Ernest A. Gralia, III, 24 Ridgewood Road, East Longmeadow 01028. Real estate development.

FLORENCE

Breathe Deeply Inc., 101 Black Birch Trail, Florence 01062. Brandt Passalacqua, same. Web design.

GRANVILLE

Prince Island Association Inc., 392 Water St., Granville 01034. R. Scott Freebern, 5746 Main St., Manchester VT 05255. Gilbert M. Faulkner, 392 Water St., Granville 01034, resident agent. (Nonprofit) To provide beach and pier facilities for members.

HOLYOKE

G & G Restaurant Mfg. Imports Inc., 60-66 Jackson St., Holyoke 01040. Iorgu Rama, 4526 44th St., Apt. 1D, Sunnyside NY 11104. Iorgu Rama, 60-66 Jackson St., Holyoke 01040, registered agent for manufacturing, restaurant equipment, imports.

HUNTINGTON

Timothy Hill Christian Camp Inc., 128 Norwich Lake, Huntington 01050. Howard Wright, 4180 Manor Hills Ln., Atlanta GA 30331. Edward D. Etheredge, 128 Baker Hill Road, Florence 01062, clerk. (Nonprofit) To operate an educational outdoor camp to teach children and families leadership skills and life skills with a spiritual foundation, etc.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Youth Excellence Through Innovation Inc., 115 Dubois St., Indian Orchard 01151. Jacqueline E. Farrow, same. (Nonprofit) To inspire youth by helping them identify and achieve goals through mentoring, learning experiences, and participation in a powerful community, etc.

LONGMEADOW

DHW International Inc., 541 Laurel St., Longmeadow 01106. Tracy E. Carman, same. Marketing of consumer products and components.

LUDLOW

Winsor Realty Inc., 119 Winsor St., Ludlow 01056. Lori C. Marta, 33 Bridle Road, Ludlow 01056. Real estate services.

NORTHAMPTON

ATA & EFE Corp., 18 Green St., Northampton 01060. Harun Iyigel, 134 Entrynbrook Dr., Springfield 01108. To engage in the pizza restaurant business.

  

SOUTH HADLEY

Legowski Landscaping & Construction Inc., 49 Westbrook Road, South Hadley 01075. Renata A. Legowski, same. Landscaping and construction.

SOUTHWICK

Three Sisters Marketing Inc., 41 Foster Road, Southwick 01077. Corine A. Magni, same. To engage in E-commerce.

SPRINGFIELD

Helping Hands Collecting and Distributing Inc., 11 Rush St. Springfield 01109. Oliver Figuereo, same. (Nonprofit) To promote the welfare of the Latinos and Children of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, provide affordable clothes and health opportunities, etc.

In His Presence Christian Counseling Inc., 205 Florida St., Springfield 01109. Emily Kozodoy Harrison, same. (Nonprofit) To strive to empower people to learn to trust in God, etc.

Manolyam Corp., 608 Page Blvd., Springfield 01104. Pinar Karaaslan, 15 Wilson St., Wilbraham 01095. Pizza restautant business.

Oflu’s Captain Pizza Inc., 30 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield 01108. Dursun Oflu, same. Restaurant pizza shop.

Project H.O.P.E. International Inc., 93 Parker St., Springfield 01151. Juliet Maxwell, 14 Berbay Cir., Springfield 01109. (Nonprofit) To promote stability in our immediate communities and the world at large, provide educational instruction and tutoring, etc.

Ronald L. Mack Tax & Accounting Group Inc., 82 Main St., Suite 1, West Springfield 01089. Ronald L. Mack, 192 Captain Road, Longmeadow 01106. Accounting services.

Trustcheck Inc., 1 Monarch Place, Suite 250, Springfield 01144. Suzanne F. Murphy, 20 Olde Plains Hollow, South Hadley 01075. Employment verification.

THORNDIKE

Combat Veterans of America, Iraq Afghanistan Chapter Inc., 4020 Pine St., Thorndike 01079. Fred Gula, same. (Nonprofit) To promote a public awareness and remembrance of the sacrifices of the members of American Military Forces of all Combat veterans of America.

WARE

Expense Control Inc., 73 Beaver Road, Ware 01082. David P. Dylewicz, Sr., same. To provide consulting services related to expense reduction.

WESTFIELD

Cocchi Paint Inc., 11 Blueberry Ridge, Westfield 01085. Ralph J. Cocchi, same. Painters.

Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc., 60 Court St., Westfield 01085. Candy Dyler, 33 Southview Dr., Southwick 01077. (Nonprofit) To provide free health services to persons with need from the Greater Westfield area who lack medical insurance, etc.

Proulx & Proulx Inc., 167 Loomis Ridge, Westfield 01085. Gerard E. Proulx, same. Contractor – building.

Violet-Ion Systems Inc., 28 Laro Road, Westfield 01085. David H. Wicker, same. Computer and computer systems consulting, engineering, sales and services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Gar Wood Inc., 928 Riverdale St., West Springfield 01089. Naif Makol, 451 Russell Ave., Suffield, CT 06078. Bruce E. Devlin, 1441 Main St., Suite 905, Springfield 01103, registered agent. Operation of gasoline station and convenience store.

HB Retail Inc., 134 Capital Dr., West Springfield 01089. Norman A. Hannoush, same. Jewelry retail sale and repair.

Nicola E. Gioscia, P.C., 82 Main St., Ste. 2, West Springfield 01089. Nicola E. Gioscia, same. To engage in the practice of law.

Rita Bobb-Rollins, DDS, P.C., 36 Memorial Ave., West Springfield 01089. Rita Bobb Rollins, DDS, same. The practice of dentistry.

Vincent F. Gioscia, PC, 82 Main St., Suite 2, West Springfield 01089. Vincent F. Gioscia, same. The practice of law.

When It Comes to Conventions, Waiting Is Part of the Game

By
Opinion

There’s one overriding positive regarding the role conventions play in the health and well-being of a given city or region: volume.

Tourism and hospitality are relatively robust sectors in Western Mass.; there are several attractions across the region with a national pull, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Historic Deerfield, the college towns of Amherst and Northampton, and virtually the entirety of Berkshire County. However, the contributions of convention business to the area’s visibility are often overlooked, or not seen to be as newsworthy as a boost in foot traffic among leisure travelers.

But the proof of the convention industry’s effect, or potential effect, on Western Mass. is in the numbers; convince one tourist to vacation in Western Mass., and they may bring along their family or a few friends. Convince one meeting planner, and they bring along hundreds, maybe thousands, and sometimes return several times.

It’s in this vein that conventions can help restore and strengthen the region’s economy, particularly in Springfield, where the area’s largest convention facility, the MassMutual Center, is located. Put simply, conventions offer a much bigger bang for the buck in terms of tourism and hospitality activity.

And while the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau casts a wide net when wooing possible visitors to the City of Homes, welcoming virtually any type of conference (and there’s a conference for everything), there are also some key formulas it adheres to.

For one, the GSCVB is working to identify events that will offer the greatest return of dollars to Western Mass. — through bookings as well as hotel stays, restaurant visits, and other entertainment options, such as athletic competitions. They also pay attention to some industry rubrics that measure overall success, based on the size and type of an event as well as the size of the venue and its hometown. These are doubly important because the Mass. Convention Center Authority (MCCA), arguably one of the most successful such bodies in the nation and owner of the MassMutual Center, pays close attention to the statistics, too.

And the GSCVB is turning some of its efforts inward, in part through the Pioneer Valley Pride program that charges area residents with identifying potential convention guests through their own professional, civic, and community affiliations. This is an effort not only to increase local confidence in the MassMutual Center’s future, but also to better reflect the needs of the region. For example, health care-related events could indirectly address the ongoing nursing shortage, or life sciences conferences could have an impact on extending the Commonwealth’s so-called life sciences supercluster farther west.

Another overlooked aspect of convention business, though, is the time it takes to get into the loop of national meeting planners and major organizations that routinely hold gatherings. The MassMutual Center reopened its doors as an expanded, renovated MCCA property two and a half years ago, and GSCVB president Mary Kay Wydra estimates that it takes at least three years to truly enter the rotation. That reality, compounded by the fact that the former Springfield Civic Center was effectively offline during construction and a change in ownership, means the center could have a few more quiet months before activity starts to ramp up.

For those who may have seen the new convention center as a panacea for Springfield, or, conversely, those who’ve long been skeptical of the center’s ability to help turn things around for the better, these hallmarks of the industry are important to note and understand. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it will take time for this city’s convention business to jell, as well.

Perhaps the Field of Dreams adage, “if you build it, they will come,” should be modified, too, to read, “if you build it, they will come … eventually.”

Just be patient. Wooing one person to the region for a weekend getaway is a success, but attracting thousands a few years out is worth the wait.

OPINION

By
Opinion
Plan for Education Czar Threatens Reform Efforts

Fewer than 15 years ago, K-12 public education in Massachusetts — a few favored communities aside — was in bad shape. The system by which schools were funded was so inequitable that it was in danger of being declared unconstitutional, student achievement was mediocre at best, and there was no reason to believe it would get better.

The Commonwealth’s 1993 Education Reform Act, with its grand bargain of a massive infusion of new money coupled with high standards, accountability, and enhanced parental choice, changed all that. Today, we lead the nation on student assessments, and average achievement compares favorably with the leading nations worldwide.

The crafters of the 1993 reform got it right. But no matter how well legislation is crafted, implementation is where the rubber meets the road.

Education reform is often stifled by the vested interests that resist accountability and new models like charter and pilot schools. In Massachusetts, the independence of the state Board of Education provided the continuity that allowed reform to be implemented year after year.

The board was responsible for the initiatives that were the heart and soul of reform, like the MCAS exam, teacher testing, and academically rigorous curriculum frameworks. It was the board that followed a prudent course by creating rigorous charter school approval and closure processes.

Each of these reforms was the target of substantial resistance from a powerful and change-averse education establishment. Only an independent Board of Education, insulated from politics, could have made them a reality.

Despite these unparalleled successes, all we have achieved is now at risk. A proposal to eliminate the Board of Education’s independence seems to be breezing through the Legislature. The proposal would make the board just another part of Gov. Patrick’s administration and thus politicize an institution that has been insulated from politics since 1837.

That continued independence is essential to address the challenges that remain, such as eliminating the unacceptable achievement gap that condemns many urban children to stunted lives.

I learned to have a deep respect for how essential that independence is when I worked for the board in the early 1970s, responsible for integration and equal opportunity in Boston, Springfield, and New Bedford. We were under constant attack in the Legislature, with only the courage of board members preventing the interests of African-American students from being abandoned. We were able to stay the course because the board members served long and overlapping terms, and were selected for their character, not the constituencies they represented.

The selection of a new commissioner of education provides a more recent example of how the proposed restructuring would strip away the Board of Education’s independence. The board unanimously chose an eminently qualified candidate who was clearly not the administration’s first choice. Under the proposed changes, a new secretary of education would have veto power over the board’s choice for commissioner.

Incoming Commissioner Mitchell Chester brings particular expertise in accountability. But another recent proposal would make the new secretary responsible for accountability. The result would be a commissioner who is little more than a department head ostensibly reporting to a largely ceremonial board.

Gone would be the independence of a board that implemented reform initiatives over the long term, even as governors and legislative leaders came and went.

Instead, teachers and students would potentially be subject to 180-degree shifts in policy every time a new administration takes over. The 15 years of moving in a consistent direction that has been responsible for our education reform success would be rendered virtually impossible.

Charles L. Glenn is dean ad interim of the Boston University School of Education.

By
Departments

[Due to technical difficulties, BusinessWest was unable to publish bankruptcy petitions in its Jan. 21, 2008 edition. As a result, those petitions are incorporated into this edition’s listings.]

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

Abar, Irene Theresa
831 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Adamites, Jennifer L.
21 Center St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Aquino, William
Cedano, William
a/k/a Aquino-Cedano, William
P.O. Box 1834
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/07

Barlow, Rebecca Leigh
PO Box 142
Bondsville, MA 01009
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Barnes, Nichelle D.
66 Powell Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/07

Baxter, Angela J.
a/k/a Lamica, Angela J.
173 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Bell, Eleanor C.
287 Osborn Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Bellinghausen, Philip G.
610 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Bennefield, Andrea T.
204 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/02/07

Berkley, Gregg M.
22 Meggison Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Bewsee, Andrew Scott
70B Columba St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Bontempo, David P.
80 Brush Hill Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/07

Botina, Lidiay
Botin, Yuriy
40 R King St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Boulrice, Joseph A.
Boulrice, Christine D.
900 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Boutin, Michael L.
104 Creswell Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/07

Boyer, Randy A.
Boyer, Susan A.
519 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Bramelus, Debora J.
44 Cathrine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Brewer, Jerrod R.
85 Manchonis Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/07

Bryant, Gregory S.
2042 Pleasant St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/23/07

Byfield, Marie M.
PO Box 214
Chicopee, MA 01014
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Cady, David P.
Cady, Susan M.
159 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Cammisa, Stacy L.
54 Davis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/12/07

Canty, David Luke
58 Ridge Way
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Carnevale, Lisa C.
55 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Casa, Salvatore
25 Roberts Pond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/07

Chalmers, William Henry
Chalmers, Paula Elizabeth
18 Hillside Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Colon, Carlos A.
66 Sherwood Ter.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Colon, Michael A.
Colon, Teresa
1208 Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Couture, Melanie France
1410 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Cruz, Heriberto
15 Portland St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/05/07

Cuffie, Boston
142 Colton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Daigneault, Christopher Charles
Fleming, Rocki Lynn
45 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/07/07

Davenport, Barbara D.
PO Box 308
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/07

Dave’s Bike Shop
Mean Wheels Bike Shop
Drumm, David B.
23 Easton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Dean, Jennifer Lynn
a/k/a Mahdy, Jennifer L.
106 Fletcher Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Dessources, Marie K.
611 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Doane, Elbert A.
99 Lehigh St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/07/07

Doiron, Michelle R.
175 Stebbins Way
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Dollar Only, LLC
Dollar Dreams,LLC
1340 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/07

Domenech, Jacob
Domenech, Lisa A.
139 Balboa Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/07

Donahue, Christi L.
136 Carroll St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Dougherty, Angela M.
86 Wellington St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Drake, Gregory Allen
Drake, Shannon Lynn
151 Silvin Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Escalante, Elba I.
28 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/12/07

Felt, Richard L.
27 Waite Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/07

Filanowski, Anthony J.
15 River Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Flynn, Rosemarie
a/k/a Lincoln, Rosemarie
600 Mian St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Fonseca, Joel J.
Tavenner, Florence J.
20 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Forester, Sarah A.
a/k/a Carotenuto, Sarah A.
21A Ames Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Garcia, George
Garcia, Tracie D.
9 Riverside St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/04/07

Goff, Lisa Renee
37 Craig Dr., Apt. 0-4
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Goyette, Richard R.
108 Mosier St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Grenier, Donald C.
2402 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/07

Griffin, Edward M.
439 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Griffin, Laura J.
43 Nathanial Way
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Griswold, Anthony Shawn
Griswold, Yvette Colette
a/k/a Turgeon, Yvette Colette
53 Rhodes Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Heinricher, Alicia K.
19 Sandrah Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/11/07

  

Hiser, Marc A.
48 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/07

Hughes, Russell
76 Hermitage Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Hundley, Johnny L.
Hundley, Robecca A.
403 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Johnson, Shari M.
312 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/13/07

Johnson, Thomas W.
P.O. Box 451
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Jon Starr Landscape Construction
D/B/A Jon Starr
Starr, Jon
83 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Jones, Jennifer S.
16 Homer Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Kellner, Paul F.
383 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/07

Lacombe, Michael A.
62 Thyme Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/02/07

Lambert, Mary Jo
13 Euclid Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/10/07

Lamothe, Tanya Ann
a/k/a Mailhott, Tanya A.
56 Laurel St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Langevin, Brian S.
24 Rabieau Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/13/07

Lapierre, Daniel R.
Janczar-Lapierre, Katarzyna J.
20 Musiak Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Larson, Richard P.
Larson, Deborah L.
a/k/a White, Deborah Louise
35 Joyce Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

LeMay, Albert H.
170 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/04/07

Lisowski, Jon D.
Lisowski, Diane E.
a/k/a Halama, Diane E.
73 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/07

Longo Property Management
Longo, Kevin Joseph
Longo, Virginia Lynn
a/k/a Stanko, Virginia L.
56 Hillside Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/07

Lucek, Thomas R.
43 Adam St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Lynch, Maureen P.
Peterson, John
133 Hockanum Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Macgowan, Jonathan R.
P.O. Box 815
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Masters, Rebecca Joan
P.O. Box 3
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/07

Matthews, Susan I.
244 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/07

Milbier, Lucia
50 Drumlin Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Mleczko, Stephen F.
20 Walnut St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Mongeau, Stacy A.
a/k/a Brower, Stacy A.
629 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/07

Niedzielski, Karen Elizabeth
520 Kings Highway
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/07

O’Callaghan, Jaime M.
82 Taylor St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/07

Ocasio, Jose A.
P.O. Box 6265
Springfield, MA 01101-6265
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/07

Owens, Joe N.
136 Rosewell St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/07

Panetta, Ryan J.
72 Pearl St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/12/07

Paquette, Seth M.
Paquette, Melissa L.
a/k/a Layte, Melissa L.
64 South Cottage Road
Holland, MA 01521
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/07

Pereira, Cheryl Ann
Pereira, Joaquim Costa
269 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/07

Phillips, Vickie M.
122 Gralia Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/07

Pike, Christopher W.
34 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/07

Postell-Porter, Joan E.
126 Undine Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Ramos, Elizabeth
62 Roberto Clemente St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/04/07

Rattell, Michael D.
Rattell, Amy E.
185 High St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/07

Renaud, Carl A.
Renaud, Susan J.
PO Box 1193
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/07/07

Rios, Juan Jose
142 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/10/07

Rivera, Hector L.
Rivera-DelBusto, Hector L.
135 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/05/07

Roberson, Ricardo Kyle
115 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/07

Rodriguez, Pedro
107 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/07

Rossetti, Louis Anthony
1491 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Roy, Traci L.
5 Paradise St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Royland, Ralph C.
Royland, Susan M.
13 Spring St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/07

Ryan, Rose Marie T.
603 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/12/07

Shirley, Brian Joseph
Shirley, Sandra Leigh
430 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/25/07

Squires, Gary Roland
Squires, Kimberly Angelina
65 Hillcrest Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/11/07

Stathis, Elliott M.
Stathis, Tahiria M.
180 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/06/07

Sullivan, Patricia M.
17 Ruggles St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Tullock, David L.
Tullock, Janet D.
155 Marble St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/14/07

Valego, Joseph J.
31 Meadow St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Wadsworth, Jennifer Ruth
206 Grove St.
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/07

Walker, Scott R.
Walker, Monique
76 Long Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/03/07

Wright, Maureen D.
53 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/07

By
Departments

TD Banknorth Makes Donation to Square One

SPRINGFIELD — TD Banknorth recently awarded a $15,000 grant to Square One to be used for its professional training programming. The funded program will professionally train Square One staff and family home care providers on the so-called Creative Curriculum — a development continuum of best practices teaching and learning — and will provide the teaching materials needed to consistently apply research-based curricula and student assessment as tools to instruct and relate to children developmentally, allowing for individual differences, independent learning, and individual need.

Springfield College Receives High Honor

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College is one of the “15 Most Influential Sports Education ‘Teams’ in America,” according to a new report by The Institute for International Sport. The institute identifies people and organizations that have had a profound impact on individuals and society by effectively using sports as a means to educate. Springfield College is the only institution of higher education among the teams named in the report. The institute cited the college, with Richard B. Flynn, president, as “team captain,” for its “international reputation for developing coaches, athletic trainers, physical education instructors, team managers, sports psychologists, and athletes who make a positive impact on millions of people in the world through sport.” Springfield College developed its niche expertise in physical education shortly after its founding in 1885 as an educator of YMCA leaders. Today, in addition to its programs in sports and movement studies and education, it is known for education in the health sciences, human and social services, and the arts and sciences.

UMass Launches New Podcast Series

AMHERST — UMass Amherst launched a new podcast series in January that features the breakthrough discoveries of campus researchers, showcasing partnerships that create new commercial ventures with the potential to reshape everyday life. “TechCast at UMass” made its debut with an episode on microbiologist Susan Leschine, whose recent discoveries have made possible an ethanol venture that could transform the fuel used in cars. Each month a new episode will be created and posted at www.umasstechcast.org, where it can be downloaded to a computer or portable audio player. Visitors to the site also can subscribe to automatically receive new episodes of the podcast. TechCast at UMass is produced under the direction of the Office of News and Information at UMass Amherst, in conjunction with the office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property. The program host is Francesca Rheannon, an award-winning producer whose work has been heard on National Public Radio, including WFCR in Amherst.

Berkshire Hills Bankcorp Reports Solid 2007

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp, parent of Berkshire Bank, reported record net income of $13.5 million ($1.44 per share) in the year 2007, an increase of 20% over $11.3 million ($1.29 per share) for the prior year, and an increase of 12% on a per-share basis. Results for 2007 included a $2.5 million fourth-quarter loan-loss provision ($0.16 per share after tax) related to one commercial loan involving borrower fraud. Core earnings per share in 2007 before that charge were $2.06, 3% higher than the 2006 core earnings of $2.00. Including that loan charge, 2007 core earnings per share were $1.90. Berkshire produced these results while also absorbing higher expenses related to its strategic initiatives for de novo branch growth and for rebranding as “America’s Most Exciting Bank.”

Earnings results in both years also included non-core charges related primarily to restructurings and acquisitions. Fourth quarter 2007 core earnings per share were $0.36 including the loan charge ($0.14 per share after tax in the quarter). Fourth quarter results included net non-core charges of $0.07 per share in 2007 and $0.01 per share in 2006. Non-core charges in 2007 included merger integration charges following the acquisition of Factory Point Bancorp in September 2007, and other restructuring charges. After these charges, Berkshire’s fourth quarter GAAP net income was $3.1 million ($0.29 per share) in 2007 compared to $4.1 million ($0.47 per share) in 2006.

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

Sherwin Williams Company v. Moore’s Steeple People
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services: $2,365.68
Filed: 1/16/08

Teresa Doyle v. Five Star Remodeling
Allegation: Motor vehicle negligence: $8,192.20
Filed: 1/11/08

USA Hauling and Recycling Inc. v. Quicky’s Restaurant
Allegation: Breach of contract for rubbish removal services: $3,698.99
Filed: 12/27/07

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Nalco Company v. RPM Products, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $28,245.64
Filed: 1/11/08

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Lucretia Cameron v. The Mercy Hospital Inc. & Pamela Trela
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000
Filed: 9/10/07

Raymon Cooper v. Springfield College, Anthony Regan, and Allen Noble
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000+
Filed: 1/04/08

Management Recruiters Inc. v. Quinn Printing Company, Inc.
Allegation: Breach of placement service contract: $31,200
Filed: 11/27/07

Veronica Estrella v. Ninety-Nine Restaurant Inc. & Daniel Spadola
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,500+
Filed: 12/24/07

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Merrimack Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. Surner Heating Company
Allegation: Property damage due to negligence: $196,301
Filed: 1/14/08

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Book Club of America Inc. v. Hudson News Company Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $13,983
Filed: 12/03/07

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Bonneville Windows and Doors v. Eastern Lumber and Millwork Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $21,596.90
Filed: 12/31/07

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

S & K Lawncare v. Fountainview Estates, Metro Builders, and Paul Lemieux
Allegation: Breach of contract for services: $3,175.00
Filed: 12/17/07

Henry Drapalski v. Park Square Realty
Allegation: Real estate listing stated central air and after purchasing home plaintiff paid for installation of central air system: $9,250
Filed: 12/19/07

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Thomas Sbrega v. Garken Realty, LLC and Allen & Anne Chase
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance (snow and ice) causing injury: $7,869.30
Filed: 12/07/07

Pipetek v. Anderson Builders Inc. and Landry Capital Company
Allegation: Failure to comply with terms of contract for service: $13,988
Filed: 12/24/07

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

United Rentals Aerial Equipment v. Eagle Nest Construction
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,040
Filed: 1/03/08

By
Departments

Hampden Bank announced the following:
• Shana J. Hendrikse has been named Office Manager for the Wilbraham office, and
• Bonnie Hull has been named the Assistant Office Manager for the Wilbraham office.

•••••


Tucker Kueny

Tucker Kueny, M.D., FACOG, has been named Medical Director of the new midwifery practice at Cooley Dickinson Hospital (CDH) in Northampton. Kueny will begin at CDH in June, but will be involved immediately in the plans to further develop the midwifery program. He joins CD Practice Associates, Cooley Dickinson’s affiliated physician group, and will provide physician coverage to the midwifery practice in conjunction with WomanCare/Northampton Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, an affiliated Cooley Dickinson medical practice.

•••••

 

Peter Pan Bus Lines in Springfield announced the following appointments:
• Brian Stefano has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer, and
• Christopher Crean has been named Vice President of Safety and Security.


Brian Stefano
Christopher Crean

•••••

The Mass. Alliance for Economic Development recently elected directors for 2008. They are:
• Ned Bartlett, a Partner at Bowditch & Dewey, LLP;
• Tyler Fairbank, President of the Berkshire Economic Development Corp., and
• Susan Fenton, Vice President, National Grid.
Directors re-elected to the board are:
• David Begelfer, Chief Executive Officer of the Mass. Chapter of National Association of Industrial and Office Properties;
• Jack Burns, Managing Principal at CRESA Partners, LLC;
• Robert Culver, President and Chief Executive Officer of MassDevelopment;
• Francesca Maltese, Development Manager for the O’Connell Development Group, and
• David Tibbetts, General Counsel to the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council.
Directors elected as officers include:
• Girard Sargent of Citizens Bank as Chairman;
• Robert Brustlin of VHB as Vice Chairman;
• Susan Fenton of National Grid as Treasurer;
• David Tibbetts of the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council as Clerk.

•••••

AuPairCare, a child care/cultural exchange organization, has selected Michelle Longey as its Area Director for host families and their international au pairs in Western Mass. Her new responsibilities include providing continual support for area host families and their au pairs, and educating interested families on AuPairCare’s programs. AuPairCare is one of the few organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State to place qualified young people from around the world with American families.

•••••


Peter K. Riggins

Peter K. Riggins has been awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies. Riggins is the Director of 401(k) Plans for Epstein Financial Services in Springfield, where he manages the investment due diligence and plan sponsor reporting processes for more than 80 401(k) plans across the Western Mass., North Central Conn., and southern Vermont regions.

•••••

Tighe & Bond in Westfield announced the following:
• Amy Lane, an environmental engineer who specializes in drinking water, recently passed her Massachusetts licensing exam to practice as a professional engineer, and
• Ronald Smith, a control systems engineer with 20 years of experience in electrical hardware system design and specification, recently passed his Massachusetts licensing exam to practice as a professional engineer.


Amy Lane
Ronald Smith

•••••

Elizabeth Taras has launched her own company, Taras Communications, offering 15 years of experience in public relations, event planning, and public speaking. She is a certified speaker for Monster.com’s Making It Count program, and assists municipalities with downtown revitalization initiatives.

•••••


Julie A. Dialessi-Lafley

Bacon Wilson, P.C. in Springfield has named five Partners to the firm. They are:
• Attorney Julie A. Dialessi-Lafley is a multi-faceted business lawyer with extensive experience in all aspects of corporate and business law, as well as commercial and residential real estate. Her additional specialties include probate, estate and elder planning, and family law.
• Attorney Gina M. Barry is a member of the Estate Planning/Elder Law Department, whose practice includes sophisticated elder law and estate planning issues, including pet estate planning. Additional areas of expertise include guardianship, conservatorship, planning for long-term care, and residential real estate.
• Attorney Gary F. Bevilacqua’s primary area of practice is real estate, both residential and commercial. He also does estate planning, banking and finance work, and personal injury representation.
• Attorney Bruce M. Fogel is a member of the estate planning, elder, real estate, zoning, business, and corporate departments. He also has extensive experience in matters relating to income, gift, and estate taxes, and focuses on the tax implications of all legal transactions.
• Attorney Peter W. MacConnell is a member of the real estate department, handling both residential and commercial transactions. He also specializes in zoning and land use issues, almost exclusively on the developer side. In addition, he does estate planning and corporate legal work.


Gina M. Barry
Gary F. Bevilacqua
   

Bruce M. Fogel
Peter W. MacConnell

•••••

Heather L. Feltman has been named President/Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Social Services of New England.

•••••

Ronald C. DeCurzio, Chief Operating Officer at Mass. Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC), Ludlow, will assume the general manager’s responsibilities with the announcement of Glenn O. Steiger resigning to take a position with Glendale (Calif.) Water & Power. The MMWEC Board of Directors will meet in the near future to discuss Steiger’s resignation and the general manager’s position.

•••••

MassMutual Retirement Services in Springfield has adopted an enhanced regional model for its advisor and plan sponsor service operations. The regional service teams, comprised of both relationship managers and account managers, will be led by four newly appointed assistant vice presidents of service. They are:
• Joanne Kisiel, Assistant Vice President, Southeast Region, joined MassMutual in 1981, and has more than 25 years of experience in the retirement services business including roles in audit, training, project management, customer service and operations management.
• Eric Leverson, Assistant Vice President, Northeast Region, has more than 18 years of experience in plan administration, compliance and relationship management roles. He joined MassMutual in 1995.
• Una Morabito, Assistant Vice President, Midwest Region, brings more than 16 years of experience in the retirement services business to her new role, including relationship management, account management, and overseeing MassMutual’s nonqualified compensation business. She joined MassMutual in 1996.
• Tracy Tierney-Clifford, Assistant Vice President, West/Southwest Regions, joined MassMutual last November from Putnam Investments where she led the relationship management team supporting the Western Region.

•••••

Field Eddy & Bulkley Inc. announced the appointment of Daniel A. Britt as an Account Executive for Commercial Lines. He is responsible for providing risk assessment and analysis to the company’s business clients and prospects as well as finding appropriate coverage to meet their specific needs.

By
Departments

Here’s the Scoop

Some honored guests visited Friendly’s Learning Center in Wilbraham late last month to celebrate the corporation’s 27th year of raising money for Easter Seals and disability services through ‘Cones for Kids.’ On hand for the celebration were (back row, left to right) Jim Williams, president and CEO of the Easter Seals national office in Chicago; Dick Hoyt, Ironman Triathlon celebrity and president of the Team Hoyt Foundation; and Kevin McNamara, vice president, Operations Support Services for Friendly Ice Cream Corp. Also enjoying the day in Wilbraham were local Easter Seals clients (front row, left to right) Dominic Mondon-Poirer, Rick Hoyt, Colleen Flanagan, and siblings Brina and Ronald Tasker. Friendly’s has raised $24.6 million for Easter Seals since 1981.

Raising the Bar

Funds raised at Martini Magic events at Max’s Tavern recently paid for the dedication of a room at the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. Pictured from left to right are John Thomas, general manager of Max’s Tavern; Harding; Rosenthal; Dianne Prince, CFO of Max Restaurant Group; and Mike Favreau, president of the Ronald McDonald House board of directors.

On with the Fight

The Sr. Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center was recognized by a national organization recently when the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons once again granted ‘Three-Year Approval with Commendation’ to the program. Pictured from left to right are Yvonne Pola, director of the Sr. Caritas Cancer Center; Dr. Catherine Carton, medical director of the center; Barbara Lamy, cancer registrar; and Lisa Vona, cancer program coordinator.

Why the ‘Casino in the Woods’ Is a Safer Bet

By
Opinion

When it comes to casino gambling in the Bay State these days, the phrase you hear with increasingly regularity is ‘when, not if.’

To many, the pendulum has swung, from a belief that the state couldn’t afford to approve casinos (from a social standpoint, at least) to the opinion that it can’t afford not to — from a budgetary standpoint. The growing consensus is that gambling is part of our society and that if people are going to go Connecticut, New York, or Rhode Island to do so, they may as well stay within the confines of the Commonwealth and generate much-needed revenue that can go toward schoolbooks and bridges; highways and health clinics.

We’re not exactly sold on this ‘when, not if’ theory — the arguments supporting casinos are based on common sense, and the Legislature doesn’t usually apply that to its decision-making — but let’s assume for the minute that it’s accurate, but that ‘when’ may still be a few years away. The next consideration for the state and its leaders is the all-important question of where?

And this gets complicated. There are several areas of the state that want a piece of the action, many politicians with power (real or imagined) who will try to influence matters, and some conflicting definitions of just what constitutes ‘Western’ and ‘Central’ Mass. as talk continues about how to divide up the pie.

And then, there’s the very powerful argument that casinos will go only where the developers willing to pony up hundreds of millions of dollars to create them want them to go.

Considering all of these factors, we believe the resort-style facility being proposed for a site just off Turnpike exit 8 in Palmer, perhaps the casino plan with the most momentum at the moment, makes a good deal of sense, and we hope the Legislature and whichever body picks the eventual winning locations agrees.

There are other proposed sites in what would inarguably be considered Western Mass., including a challenged parcel in Chicopee that Mayor Michael Bissonnette has floated as a consideration. It’s landlocked, has wetlands and multiple owners, and so far no one in the casino development community has expressed any interest in it. But other than that, it’s perfectly viable. Then there’s the Holyoke Mall, which, rumor has it, has caught the eye of Donald Trump. This location actually makes some sense. It’s visible, highly accessible, has ample parking, and could easily be retrofitted into a casino and all its accompanying features, including an entertainment venue, restaurants, and shops (the site already has plenty of those).

But Holyoke is not in the woods, and the ‘casino in the woods’ seems to be the preferred model at the moment.

This is the Foxwoods/Mohegan Sun model, the destination area that offers much more than gambling and isn’t in the middle of a major urban area. This means that, by and large, the resort, or destination, casino breathes life into an area instead of sucking life out of it, which is essentially what happened in Atlantic City and what many Bay State leaders fear could happen here.

The Palmer site apparently works for at least one developer — Mohegan Gaming LLC is interested and last month presented a conceptual plan to a packed room of officials and residents — and we think it makes sense for the state and this region. It gives Western Mass. a piece of the pie, and, with its location well to the east of Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Amherst, presents the opportunity for casino visitors to possibly (that’s possibly) stop in those communities on their way to Palmer from Eastern New York and Berkshire County.

The Palmer site has its share of challenges, and a casino on that site would certainly impact workforce quantity and quality in Western Mass. — where would 3,000 workers come from, and what impact would an employer of that size have on wages for service sector jobs?

But from most points of view, the Palmer location does, indeed, make the most sense.

Should the ‘when, not if’ theory of the casino universe be accurate, we would hope that a facility in Palmer would be in the cards for Western Mass.

OPINION

By
Opinion
Easing the Burden of Unemployment Insurance

After nearly a year of haggling over the most recent round of proposed business tax changes, a compromise seems to be emerging. A special commission voted to recommend that the state Legislature close loopholes, but also enact a meaningful cut in the Commonwealth’s 9.5% corporate tax rate, the fourth-highest in the nation.

House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has maintained that the tax code should be reviewed in its entirety rather than in a piecemeal fashion. He’s right. A 2006 Pioneer Institute/Global Insight study found that high business costs — some of which have nothing to do with taxes — put Massachusetts at a serious disadvantage compared with competitor states.

One of the main sources of that disadvantage is a business tax that has hardly even been mentioned during the recent debate: unemployment insurance. The unemployment insurance program levies a payroll tax on employers that is used to provide a financial cushion for individuals who unexpectedly lose their jobs.

This entirely rational idea has spiraled out of control. The average unemployment insurance taxes paid by a Massachusetts company nearly doubled between 2003 and 2005. Today, only property and excise taxes account for a larger share of the overall state business tax burden. In 2006, Massachusetts companies paid $576 per employee in unemployment insurance taxes, more than twice the national median of $261.

Part of the reason the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance tax burden is so high is because it provides more generous benefits than other states — 76% above the national average, according to a just-released Pioneer study.
Forty-eight states allow claimants to collect for 26 weeks, but in Massachusetts it’s 30 weeks (Montana has a 28-week limit). Most states require 20 weeks of work before qualifying for benefits; here it’s 15 weeks. In addition to offering the easiest eligibility and longest benefit period, the Commonwealth’s maximum benefit of $600 per week is also the nation’s richest.

Generous benefits aren’t the only reason for our unemployment insurance mess. Although companies whose employees use the system more pay higher taxes, those additional contributions don’t come close to covering the cost of the benefits they generate. In 2004, laid-off workers from about 4% of Massachusetts companies accounted for almost one-third of total benefits. The companies paid $124 million into the system, while their former employees pocketed $403 million in benefits.

All too often, these “former” employees are current employees. They work in seasonal businesses like construction or landscaping and are laid off like clockwork each year, effectively shifting the burden to unemployment insurance during a company’s slow months. The more closely you look at the program, the less surprised you are to learn that about half the people who apply for benefits in a given year also applied the previous year.

Fixing unemployment insurance isn’t rocket science, but it will require substantial political courage. First, we should eliminate incentives to collect rather than work by bringing benefits more in line with other states.

Next, we should force companies who habitually use the system to shoulder more of the load. This would have the additional benefit of reducing the burden on “good” companies that don’t take advantage of the system and bear a larger share of the unemployment insurance costs in Massachusetts than in most other states.

Finally, instead of being allowed to lay themselves off, small business owners should be required to demonstrate that their business has actually closed in order to collect.

In addition to eliminating a major competitive disadvantage for Massachusetts, fixing unemployment insurance would stimulate the economy and generate revenue for the Commonwealth. It would also allow us to make decisions about business taxes within the context of a fairer and more rational business climate.

Charles D. Chieppo is a senior fellow at the Pioneer Institute.

OPINION

By
Opinion
Working for the Union Label

The Nevada caucuses are over, following on the heels of the Michigan primaries. This schedule calls to the mind the striking contrast between the way Detroit greets air travelers and the way Las Vegas does it. If you fly into Detroit Metro Airport and catch a ride east toward the city itself, you have to go a stretch before a gigantic tire welcomes you to the Motor City. But far be it from Las Vegas to show such reserve. At its airport, just after you exit the jetway, slot machines greet you in the terminal.

As different as it is from Detroit, however, Vegas has imitated it in one respect: Detroit used to be a place where a person with little education could still get a good-paying job. With the contraction of the auto industry in Michigan, and the expansion of the gambling business in Nevada, Vegas has become the town that beckons with this opportunity.

In Nevada, the average hourly wage of a worker with no more than a high school diploma is $23.30, the highest of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. On this count, Michigan is now 10th.

Nevada isn’t on top by accident. It’s there because the vast majority of the state’s workers hold jobs in the Las Vegas area and, though Nevada is a right-to-work state, Las Vegas is nonetheless a union town. In fact, as Hal Rothman reports in Neon Metropolis, his insightful book on Vegas, it is now “the most unionized city in the United States.”

Its largest local union is Culinary Workers Union Local 226. This is the 60,000-member local that endorsed Barack Obama last week. Caucuses aside, though, this union is also a possible model for the future.

The typical hourly wage of a 2008 worker with at least a four-year degree is higher than the typical hourly wage of a 1973 worker with a four-year degree — but the typical wage of a 2008 worker without a degree is lower than the typical wage of a 1973 worker without a degree. Moreover, two of three of today’s workers do not have a degree.

One reason why the non-college jobs of today don’t pay as well as the non-college jobs of 35 years ago, it has been claimed, is that a lot of the 1973 jobs were in manufacturing, and a lot of the 2008 jobs are in the service sector — and rank-and-file work in the service sector, unlike such work in the manufacturing sector, is inherently low-wage work.

But the paychecks of the Culinary Workers Union members rebut this claim. As working stiffs in the gambling industry — hotel maids and fry cooks, busboys and cocktail waitresses, laundry workers and card dealers — they do menial work in the service sector. But they do not have to do it for menial pay. In part, this has to be because unionization has given them some leverage.

To be sure, the pay levels for rank-and-file workers in manufacturing have been higher than those for such workers in the service sector. But this isn’t because there is something in the nature of manufacturing itself that makes for higher pay. It’s because it has been more unionized. An old issue of Life magazine tells the story of a steel worker whose pay jumped by 260% in 10 years. This was chiefly because, at the beginning of the 10-year-period, the steel workers across the country unionized.

Much of the workforce can be divided into two groups. One group is the workers who can build a brand for themselves as individuals, such as the best-known real estate agent in a small town. Because such workers stand out from the crowd, they hold bargaining power as individuals, and get paid well.

The other group is the crowd: the workers who are generic. They have little or no bargaining power as individuals. In the way of pay, they often must take what the job market offers to workers like them. If they want to earn more, they can try to brand themselves. Or they can bargain not as individuals, but en masse. It worked that way in Cadillac plants. It works that way in resort hotels.

Ralph Whitehead Jr. is a professor of Journalism at UMass Amherst.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Algra Media
77 Edward St.
Allan Grassetti

Agawamtech.com
12 Lakeview Circle
Vagn Scott

Angelina Rose Photography
8G Mansion Wood Dr.
Angela Simpson

Hec’s Auto Detailers
85-87 Ramah Circle
Maria Valego

Hollands Home and Heart Crafts
201 Adams St.
Julie Hollands

AMHERST

A Step Forward Message
96 N. Pleasant St.
Breten K. Burger

Chao Designs
45 Westwood Ave.
Maria Chao

River Shark Café
17B Montague Road
Robert Pollak

Tana Productions
310 West St.
Santo Ine Alers

Welcome Home Amherst Veterans
260 Leverett Road
James D. Pitts

CHICOPEE

YNS International
6 Fitzpatrick Lane
Yegor Stefantsen

EASTHAMPTON

White Crane Renovations
1 Cottage St.
Glenn D. Leonard

EAST LONGMEADOW

Spa Europa
60 Shaker Road
Kelly Laviolette

GREENFIELD

Green Tree Services
32 Sumner St.
Jeffrey J. Koshinsky

Klondike Sound Company
37 Silvio Conte Dr.
John T. Koehler Jr.

Ozzie’s Auto Body & Paint Shop
328 High St.
Tamas L. Herkner

Satyriasis Solutions
P.O. Box 942
Jorge Luis Gonzalez

The Country Jeweler
220 Main St.
The Country Jeweler Inc.

HADLEY

Barnes & Noble
335 Russell St.
Leonard Riggio

Gauthier Automotive
251 Russell St.
Christopher Gush

The Hadleigh Collection
31 Huntington Road
Frederick Wilda

HOLYOKE

Free Professional
1895 Northampton St.
John Martin

Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.
2267 Northampton St.
Edward Weinstein

Massachusetts National Guard
50 Holyoke St.
James D. Laudato

NORTHAMPTON

DH Infrastructure
25 Main St.
Denzel James Hankinson

Food For Thought Vending
91 Woodlawn Ave.
Jean S. Tracey

Hair By Patrick
56 Main St.
Patrick Mansfield

Misty River Ballooning
82 Bliss St.
Donald LaFountain

Praying Mantis Kung-Fu
20 Hampton Ave.
Aurelio Pagan

Salon Evolve
4 Old South St.
Andrea Coller

Simply Hair
2 Conz St.
Melissa C. Kelly


  

Zoom Auto Sales
245A North King St.
John Hunter

PALMER

Mark Gilbert Auto Repairs
24 Orchard St.
Mark Thomas Gilbert

SOUTH HADLEY

Allery’s Package Store
314 Newton St.
Cesare Ferrari

SOUTHWICK

Hart’s Garage
53 Congamond Road
Francis Hart

SPRINGFIELD

Life Champions Through MA
1490 Allen St.
Walton Lamar Moore

Lteif Taxi Service, LLC
32 Lancashire Road
Nadim F. Lteif

Maxim Seamless Gutters
21 Cluster Circle
Maxim Barabolkin

Miranda Auto Body
289-291 Mill St.
Ricardo Miranda

Moonlight Fashion
63 Jordan St.
Windy Chak

Nails #1
929 Belmont Ave.
Thuy Thu Vo

Oz
377-399 Dwight St.
William Santaniello

Premier Caulking & Restoration
42 Kimberly Ave.
Anthony M. Dewdney

Ray Auto Electrical Tech
20 Montgomery St.
Reynaldo Rios

S & H Boston Road Fuels
32 Boston Road
Bhikha-Bhai C.

S & H St. James Fuel Inc.
1037 St. James Ave.
Bhikhabhai C. Patel

Simply Divine Beauty Lounge
607 Dickinson St.
Kelly Rochelle

Spring St. Super Grocery
121 Spring St.
Jose Miguel Rijo

Star Nails
1130 State St.
Ngoc Van Nguyen

Super Starz
253 Bay St.
Carlene Marsh

Vega Baja Men’s Wear
31 Oswego St.
Eliezer Gaetan

WESTFIELD

Angel Cleaners
305 Edward St.
Vladimir Garbuz

Clean Sweep
69 Michael Dr.
Debra A. Post

Elizabeth Cotnoir Designs
17 Stephen Lane
Mary Elizabeth Cotnoir

Little Black Dog Gallery
16 Union Ave.
Jackie French Koller

Westfield Tae Kwon Do Services
52 Knollwood Dr.
Richard E. Talevi

Z & Z Tool Manufacturing
41 Jefferson St.
David J. Zering

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Diamond Gold Connection
389 Park St.
GX Corporation

East Coast Granite And Flooring
174 Althea St.
Andrey Lisovskiy

Giovannis Pizzeria & Restaurant
88 Westfield Road
Chars Incorporated

Mitchell’s Formal Wear
1321 Riverdale St.
Claudia Pruitt

The Crop Shop
338 Westfield St.
Nancy R. Jamrog

By
Departments

University Without Walls

Feb. 2, 12, 23: University Without Walls (UWW), an adult bachelor’s degree completion program at UMass Amherst, is conducting information sessions this winter for individuals interested in applying. Classes are offered on campus, online, and in blended format (mostly online, with a few live meetings). Information sessions run approximately 90 minutes and are conducted at the UWW office, 100 Venture Way, Room 229A, Hadley. For more information on dates and times, visit www.umass.edu/uww or call (413) 545-1378.

Camera Classes

Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6: Iris Photo & Digital of Northampton will offer several digital point-and-shoot camera classes this winter, including “Intermediate Camera Class” on Jan. 23, “Advanced Camera Class” on Jan. 30, and “Basic Photo Editing Class” on Feb. 6. Classes run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the shop at 164 Main St. For more information, call (413) 586-8417 or visit www.iris-photo.com.

De-clutter Workshops

Jan. 24, 28, 29, 30: Professional organizer Carleen Eve Fisher Hoffman, also known as ‘The Clutter Doctor,’ has teamed up with two financial services professionals from Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services, Ann Sapelli and Judith Luddy, to host free seminars titled “Organize Your Financial Fitness: Uncover Your Assets and Improve Your Bottom Line.” Participants will learn various methodologies for organizing their financial papers and documents. Sessions are planned Jan. 24 at the Palmer Library; Jan. 28, Monson Library; Jan. 29, Belchertown Library; and Jan. 30, Northampton Library. All sessions are planned from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information, call (413) 525-7345.

Lessons from the Real Pepsi Challenge

Jan. 29: Stephanie Capparell, a journalist, author, and filmmaker based in New York City, will present “Innovation & Diversity: Lessons from the Real Pepsi Challenge” at noon as part of the Western New England College Law & Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship’s speaker series. Her most recent book, The Real Pepsi Challenge: The Inspirational Story of Breaking the Color Barrier in American Business, is a case study of Pepsi-Cola’s groundbreaking all-black sales division (1940-1951), and tells the story of some of the first African-Americans in corporate America. Her lecture is planned in S. Prestley Blake Law Center on the Springfield campus, and is free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 736-8462 or visit www.law.wnec.edu/lawandbusiness.

Clio Awards

Jan. 30: The Ad Club of Western Massachusetts will screen the 2007 Clio Award winners from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Rivers Memorial at Western New England College, Springfield, as part of a luncheon affair. Reservations must be made by Jan. 25. Tickets are $25 for members; $35 for future members, and $15 for students. For more information, call (413) 736-2582 or visit www.adclubwm.org.

Amherst Chamber Luncheon

Jan. 31: Interim UMass Chancellor Thomas W. Cole Jr. and UMass President Jack Wilson will address the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott. The event is open to the public, but reservations are required by calling (413) 253-0700 or E-mailing [email protected]. Tickets are $25 per person.

‘Outlook 2008’

Feb. 1: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield will present “Outlook 2008” with keynote speaker John Zogby, a national pollster and political analyst, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chez Josef in Agawam. In addition to Zogby’s presentation, Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan will present the regional outlook as the District One representative of the Mass. Mayors’ Assoc. Tickets are $45 per person and $65 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Diane Swanson, events manager, at (413) 787-1555, or visit www.myonlinechamber.com.

By
Departments

Hasbro Games Set to Eliminate 200 Jobs

EAST LONGMEADOW — As early as February, 200 local residents will lose their jobs at Hasbro Games as the company retools its manufacturing processes to remain competitive in the games business. The company is currently in negotiations with Local 224 of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union of the United Food and Commercial Workers to hammer out an agreement on changes to some work practices. The reduction in force includes 180 manufacturing jobs and approximately 20 non-union office jobs, according to Wayne S. Charness, senior vice president for communications at Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro. At press time, Hasbro officials and union representatives were negotiating severance packages and ways to change work practices that are in the best interests of both the employees and Hasbro. If Hasbro can secure the changes it proposes, the company will invest $10 million immediately in the plant, and as much as $40 million over the next few years, added Charness. Hasbro and the union are currently operating under a three-year contract signed in 2007.

WP Requests ‘Woman of the Year’ Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Partnership, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc., is seeking nominees for its annual Woman of the Year Award, given to a businesswoman in the Greater Springfield area. The nominee should best exemplify ideals of outstanding leadership, accomplishments, and service to the community. Services can be rendered over a lifetime or for more recent achievements. In either case, her leadership and accomplishments are regarded as a model for the Greater Springfield community. Nomination forms can be requested by calling (413) 543-8000, via E-mail at [email protected], or at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield office, 1441 Main St. The deadline for nomination documents is Jan. 31.

Picknelly Joins Development Team on Casino Proposals

EAST LONGMEADOW — Peter A. Picknelly, president of Peter Pan Bus Lines, has joined the development team as an investor in the proposed development of a 150-acre tract in Palmer and a 35-acre waterfront site in New Bedford into destination sites, possibly to include resort casinos. Picknelly is investing in the proposed projects through the Northeast Group, owner of the land in Palmer off Exit 8 of the Massachusetts Turnpike and the entity that has site control of a waterfront tract in New Bedford off Exit 16 of Route 195. Both communities have passed local referenda in favor of legalized gaming, and both represent potential sites for a resort casino and retail complex. Should gaming be legalized by the Legislature, Commonwealth-approved resort casino operators could develop either or both sites. Gov. Deval Patrick has proposed the development of three resort casinos statewide as a means of stimulating economic development and raising revenue for the state. Northeast also recently announced it has hired the Suffolk Group LLC and lead lobbyist William F. Cass of Boston to represent their interests on Beacon Hill, and Paul Robbins Associates Inc. of Wilbraham to assist on communications regarding the real estate development and tourist potential for the Palmer and New Bedford properties.

Survey: Workplaces Safer in 2006

BOSTON — The state Division of Occupational Safety (DOS) recently announced that the rate of workplace-related non-fatal injuries and illnesses in Massachusetts dropped by more than 7% from 2005 to 2006, according to the annual Occupational Injury and Illness Survey of private-sector workers. The number of workplace fatalities dropped by more than 13% over the same period. The rate of workplace illness and injuries continues to be below the national average, and by far the lowest rate among all New England states, according to Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump, who oversees DOS. Bump added that under the Patrick administration, Massachusetts will survey public-sector workers for the first time this year. The state formerly collected data on private-sector employers only. The survey covers 10 ‘super sectors,’ ranging from manufacturing, education, and health services to natural resources and mining. The only super sector to show an increase in injuries and illnesses was natural resources and mining, where the number of injuries (300) remained unchanged while employment dropped. The entire report is available online at www.mass.gov/eolwd

Survey: Spouse Remains Chief Career Advisor

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Those considering a job change seek many resources of guidance, but the opinion they value most often comes from the person closest to them. Nearly half (46%) of executives polled said they turn first to spouses or significant others for advice when evaluating a potential job change, up from 42% in 2002.

By
Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Appleton Corporation
Colonial Circle
$36,000 — Replace concrete stairs

Riverbend Medical Group
444 Montgomery St.
$575,000 — Reconstruct gastroenterology department suites

EASTHAMPTON

BB Property Inc.
52 O’Neill St.
$3,000 — New roof

EAST LONGMEADOW

Hampden County Physicians
98 Shaker Road
$357,000 — Interior build-out

Troon Realty
175 Benton Dr.
$240,000 — Addition of office space

United Bank
94 Shaker Road
$73,000 — Interior renovations

GREENFIELD

Somerset Long Term Care LLC
359 High St.
$42,388 — Re-roof

HOLYOKE

Soldiers Memorial Commission
310 Appleton St.
$262,000 — HVAC & electrical improvements to the auditorium

LUDLOW

Ludlow Industrial Realties Inc.
100 State St.
$5,000 — Minor alterations

  

NORTHAMPTON

Laurel Ridge Realty Associates
312 Hatfield St.
$13,418 — Install guardrails and handrails on porches

Paul H. D’Amour, et al
158 North King St.
$55,000 — Real estate office build out

The Northampton Historical Society
66 Bridge St.
$2,000 — Replace exterior door

Trustees of Smith College
53 West St.
$13,500 — Interior remodel

Trustees of Smith College
Cushing & Emerson Houses
$259,000 — Renovate dining rooms

SOUTH HADLEY

Village Commons
17 College St.
$47,500 — Renovations

WESTFIELD

Robert Wilcox
75 Broad St.
$71,000 – Office Build Out

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ashley Avenue Associates
73 State St.
$35,000 — Renovate 6,604 square feet of existing office space

Sullivan Paper Co. Inc.
42 Progress Ave.
$150,000 — Raise roof structure to accommodate printing press

Andrew Kolesnichenko
573 Union St.
$25,000 — Erect structure connecting main building to warehouse

By
Departments

Go FIT Acquired by Square One

SPRINGFIELD — Square One, formerly Springfield Day Nursery, recently announced its acquisition of Go FIT, a program that promotes active, healthy lifestyles for today’s youth while also providing education and mentoring to at-risk families on issues of health, fitness, and safety. “By adding Go FIT to our daily lesson planning, Square One is integrating health, nutrition and food, fitness, and personal safety into the daily learning experiences of our children,” said Square One President and CEO Joan Kagan. “We believe that getting children off to a good start and establishing healthy routines early in life will help them in the long run.” In the few months that it has been formally affiliated with Go FIT, Square One has started work on developing a comprehensive and well-integrated plan to incorporate partners such as Springfield College, Partners for a Healthier Community, and the Food Bank of Western Mass. as a means to address the interrelatedness of childhood obesity, food security, access to affordable and nutritious food, physical fitness training, exercise curricula, and establishing a healthy habits lifestyle early in life, said Kagan. “We will dedicate ourselves to the continuation of the Go FIT mission and build upon its accomplishments,” she continued, “carrying forward all of the principles, practices, and fitness strategies that have made this program a stellar success.”

Old Sturbridge Village Raises $1.83M

STURBRIDGE — Old Sturbridge Village (OSV) President and CEO James E. Donahue recently announced that, after a successful two-year fund-raising effort, more than $1.83 million has been generated for the museum. Donahue noted that $834,000 was raised in new donations, which in turn qualified it for an additional $1 million matching grant from an anonymous donor. As an incentive to spur fund-raising efforts, in October 2006 an anonymous OSV trustee offered a $1 million challenge grant designed to increase the museum’s endowment and annual fund. Under terms of the challenge, all new and increased gifts would be matched by the grant, up to $1 million. Donahue added that the ‘Village Challenge’ donations came from hundreds of individuals and museum members, as well as from foundations and corporations. “We have a tremendously loyal base of supporters, and this success is a real testament to their faith in this institution,” said Donahue. OSV is one of the country’s oldest living-history museums, and recreates life in a working farm village from 1790 to 1840. For more information, visit www.osv.org.

MassMutual Named One of ‘America’s Greatest Brands’

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Financial Group is currently being featured in America’s Greatest Brands, a large-format book that annually recognizes the strongest and most trusted brand icons. Now in its sixth edition, America’s Greatest Brands profiles the strongest and most valuable brands in the world from a unique brand-marketing perspective. Selection of companies is made by the American Brands Council, comprising some of the most respected marketing and communications professionals in America.

WCA Awards $20,000 in Equipment

SOUTHWICK — CareerPoint of Holyoke was the winner of Whalley Computer Associates’ recent Technology Makeover Contest. CareerPoint will receive $20,000 of computer equipment and services based upon its presentation of need. More than 150 organizations entered the competition, and the top 10 were given an opportunity to make a presentation to a WCA panel during a technology fair conducted in December.

GoNOMAD.com Will Exhibit At NYC Travel Show
SOUTH DEERFIELD — GoNOMAD. com, a local travel Web site, will be among the more than 500 exhibitors at the annual New York Times Travel Show in New York City in late February. GoNOMAD.com Editor Max Hartshorne will present a seminar at the show about travel writing, inviting show visitors to learn how to break into the business, with tips on markets, ideas, and the Internet travel-publishing marketplace. For more information on the show, visit www.nyttravelshow.com.

Biochemist Receives $308,000 Grant

AMHERST — Alejandro P. Heuck, a biochemist at UMass Amherst, has received a four-year, $308,000 grant from the American Heart Association (AHA) to develop molecular probes capable of measuring cholesterol levels in the membranes of individual cells. The grant, which began Jan. 1, is an AHA Scientist Development Grant to support highly promising beginning scientists. The program encourages and adequately funds research projects that bridge the gap between completion of research training and readiness for successful competition as an independent investigator.

By
Departments

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

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Francis Cassidy v. Stop & Shop Supermarket, LLC
Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $42,115.85
Filed: 12/17/07

Lake Hitchcock Development v. Blue Heron Realty
Allegation: Breach of contract: $40,000
Filed: 12/11/07

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Godwin Pumps of America Inc. v. Hydross, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $46,077.82
Filed: 12/7/07

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

John C. Manni v. Eastern States Exposition & Equine Affaire Inc.
Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $49,250
Filed: 11/4/07

Hampden Zimmerman Electrical Supply v. MDR Electric Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid balance for goods and services sold: $188,463.45
Filed: 10/30/07

Michael Alan Crooker v. Con Agra Foods Inc.
Allegation: Product liability causing injury: $100,000
Filed: 10/23/07

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Emily Belanger, Paul Belanger Jr., as parent and legal guardian of Emily Belanger v. David Quail Trucking
Allegation: Negligence while operating motor vehicle: $6,458.83
Filed: 11/14/07

Fred S. Kania v. AT&T

Allegation: Failure to follow regulations of Department of Telecommunications: $5,000
Filed: 11/21/07

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Pantea Azari v. Cars “R” Us
Allegation: Breach of contract, fraud, and violation of Mass. General Laws 93A: $10,000+
Filed: 12/5/07

Stanley Ciszewski v. Patriot Home Improvement
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive practices: $25,000
Filed: 12/3/07

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

PDQ Billing Services v. Springfield Optometric Associates Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $10,224.77
Filed: 11/29/07

Thomas M. Ferris v. Romito & Sons Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $3,600
Filed: 11/20/07

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

A. Boillard & Sons Inc. v. Advoulos Builders Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid goods sold and delivered: $30,405.41
Filed: 11/14/07

Bradco Supply Corp. v. New Castle Development Corp.
Allegation: Failure to pay for goods sold and delivered: $4,186
Filed: 11/5/07

Brewers Supply Group Inc. v. The Paper City Brewery Company
Allegation: Unpaid goods sold and delivered: $3,937.10
Filed: 11/16/07

Citadel Broadcasting Company v. Alycat Inc. d/b/a Diamond & Gold Connection
Allegation: Unpaid services rendered: $9,975.00
Filed: 11/7/07

ComData Network Inc. v. VK Transport Inc.
Allegation: unpaid services rendered: $25,812.50
Filed: 11/8/07

FedEx Customer Information Services v. BelAir Motel
Allegation: Unpaid transportation services rendered: $6,820.83
Filed: 11/15/07

Lambert Plumbing & Heating Inc. v. CDE Remodeling
Allegation: Unpaid balance on goods sold and delivered and plumbing services: $11,530.53
Filed: 11/20/07

Martindale-Hubbell Inc. v. George F. Kelley
Allegation: Failure to pay for services rendered: $8,190.00
Filed: 11/5/07

Mariluz Vargas v. Lia Kia
Allegation: Breach of sales contract: $24,999.99
Filed: 11/14/07

United Rentals Inc. v. All State Construction Services
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and construction services: $16,723.03
Filed: 11/20/07

OPINION

By
Opinion
We Need to Invest in Education

When Gov. Deval Patrick recently filed a $2 billion capital bond bill to finance infrastructure improvements at all 29 of Massachusetts’ public college and universities, he declared it to be an “emergency law,” meaning that it would go into effect immediately upon passage by the Legislature and his signing.

Little did the governor or anyone else know how apropos that designation would be.

A few days after the filing, Salem State College officials made the difficult decision to close that college’s library based on concerns raised over the structural soundness of the 35-year-old building.

As serious as the situation is at Salem State, this capital bill is not just about some falling bricks and cracked mortar. The reality is that our public colleges and university system are being asked to educate the talent for the emerging industries of the new economy in laboratories and classrooms that are sometimes more than 40 years old.

Investment in our public higher education system is long overdue. Massachusetts devotes only 2.8% of its capital expenditures to public higher education, while other states invest 12.5% on average.

At the campus level this pattern of state disinvestment in its public higher education system has resulted in a backlog of more than $5.5 billion in unfunded capital projects and necessitated that campuses tap already-tight operating budgets and increase student charges to pay for deferred maintenance.

At the state level, this pattern has resulted in Massachusetts falling woefully behind its chief economic competitors in supporting its public higher education system. In fiscal 2006, Connecticut invested more than four times what Massachusetts did on the capital needs of its public colleges and university system, North Carolina approximately seven times, and New York nearly eight times.

With two-thirds of our high school graduates who attend college in Massachusetts going to a public institution — up from only 58% a decade ago — our economic future depends on having public colleges and a university with best-in-class labs, equipment, and technology.

Patrick’s bond bill recognizes these competitive implications by emphasizing investments that contribute to the medium to long term competitiveness of our state economy.

The bill would fund new science centers at four Massachusetts state colleges where existing science facilities are 30 to 50 years old. These buildings lack the labs to conduct some of today’s sophisticated experiments in chemistry and biology and the space to meet current equipment, fabrication, and technology needs in physics.

These shortcomings undermine our ability to attract top faculty and retain students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math in Massachusetts. First-rate facilities will promote teaching and learning in these fields, help fill the talent pipeline needed to support regional industries, and meet the demands of our public schools for the finest science and math teachers.

At the state’s 15 community colleges, the bond bill will fund construction of new allied health buildings on four campuses as well as the complete modernization and rehabilitation of science and general academic buildings on most of the remaining campuses. New allied health facilities will strengthen these colleges’ capacity to respond directly to changing workforce needs by enhancing the training of more nurses, medical technicians, and health care professionals — jobs that are in tremendous demand.

The effects of state disinvestment in our public colleges and university are not as visible to the public as lack of investment in our transportation networks, but they are every bit as critical to our long-term competitiveness. As the Legislature considers the bond bill, the question is not whether we can afford to pay for these investments, but whether we can afford not to.

Robert V. Antonucci is president of Fitchburg State College. Terrence A. Gomes is president of Roxbury Community College. This article first appeared in the Boston Globe.

By
Departments

University Without Walls

Jan. 8, 19, 23, Feb. 2, 12, 23: University Without Walls (UWW), an adult bachelor’s degree completion program at the UMass Amherst, is conducting information sessions this winter for individuals interested in applying. Classes are offered on campus, online, and in blended format (mostly online, with a few live meetings). Information sessions run approximately 90 minutes and are conducted at the UWW office, 100 Venture Way, Room 229A, Hadley. For more information on dates and times, visit www.umass.edu/uww or call (413) 545-1378.

Communications Conference

Jan. 9: Western New England College and the Valley Press Club will offer professionals a chance to hone their communication skills and learn about the latest technology during the fifth annual communications conference from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on WNEC’s main campus. “Getting Noticed in the 21st Century” is the theme for the daylong event which is intended for business professionals, staff of nonprofit organizations, and students looking to communicate more effectively. Participants will have the chance to choose from 14 workshops designed to sharpen skills, explore new technologies, and provide interaction with reporters and editors from local media outlets. Roundtable discussions with members of mainstream and alternative media outlets are also planned, as well as a special panel discussion on promoting Western Mass. as a place to live and work. During the conference luncheon, the Valley Press Club will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to broadcaster Keith Silver. For conference fees and more information, visit www.wnec.edu/communications.

Camera Classes:

Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6: Iris Photo & Digital of Northampton will offer several digital point-and-shoot camera classes this winter, including “Basic Camera Class” on Jan. 16, “Intermediate Camera Class,” on Jan. 23, “Advanced Camera Class,” on Jan. 30, and “Basic Photo Editing Class” on Feb. 6. Classes run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the shop at 164 Main St. Classes are $35, and individuals can save $20 when attending all four sessions. For more information, call (413) 586-8417 or visit www.iris-photo.com.

Construction Forecast Series

Jan. 18: The Construction Institute will sponsor an I-91 Corridor Regional Construction Forecast titled “Moving Forward … A Roadmap for the Future” from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Registration begins at 7:45. The regional outlook will feature an economic overview, as well as highlight and define ongoing and future projects that are being developed along the I-91 Corridor, with particular focus on the Greater Hartford and Springfield areas. Construction Institute members are encouraged to invite nonmember guests to the program free of charge. For more information, call (860) 768-4459, or visit www.construction.org.

MTEL Prep Course

Feb. 9, 16, 23, March 1: Elms College in Chicopee will offer the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) communication and literacy prep course this winter for candidates seeking teaching licenses in Massachusetts. The 12-hour prep course will be offered on four consecutive Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon in the Springfield Room, lower level of the Mary Dooley College Center. The cost is $100 for Elm students and alums; $150 for the general public. For registration information, call the Division of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education at (413) 265-2445.

All We Are Saying: Give Manufacturing a Chance

By
Opinion

Across Western Mass., we hear about the need for new business opportunities daily, and the pressures facing the region in this regard.

There are a number of ideas on the table to strengthen the economy and the profile of Western Mass. as a player in the Commonwealth and even the nation, ranging from bringing the ‘hidden tech’ sector out of the shadows to entering the life sciences race.

While the region has a long history in manufacturing of all types, it’s a piece of the economic landscape that is often buried under headlines touting new endeavors and tainted by stories of layoffs, company relocations, and plant closings. However, the manufacturing sector in Western Mass. is one in which we’ve noticed a steady undercurrent of progress lately.

True, manufacturing is not exactly enjoying a new heyday; companies have continued to close or relocate to other parts of the globe in recent years.

In the Pioneer Valley, American Pad and Paper Co., Ludlow Textiles, and Holyoke Card Co. have all disappeared. Danaher Tool, which manufactured wrenches in Springfield for more than 100 years, closed its doors in 2006 to relocate operations in Texas and Arkansas, and last year, Springfield Wire phased out its local operations and eliminated 180 jobs in the region.

Berkshire County also said goodbye to some long-standing manufacturing operations in 2007: MeadWestvaco closed one of its two Lee mills, eliminating 70 jobs; Neenah Paper of Alpharetta, Ga., laid off 137 workers after it purchased the former Fox River Paper in Housatonic; and Schweitzer-Mauduit announced that it would begin to close four mills in Lee in 2008, eliminating 165 jobs.

Adding insult to injury, there are still too few skilled workers to fill those positions that are available. Technology marches on, and appropriate training has become a dire necessity.

But perhaps more than any other sector, the manufacturing industry of Western Mass. is one that quietly soldiers on. Just as there have been closings, there have been expansions — AM Lithography, for example, a printing and packaging outfit based in Chicopee, just opened a second location in Holyoke to accommodate its expanding operations.

And Microtest Labs in Agawam, a medical testing and manufacturing facility, is currently seeking $7 million in funding to expand its ‘fill and finish’ division as it concurrently seeks new opportunities in stem cell research.

New educational initiatives are also surfacing to train a new workforce, and innovative arrangements are being made in cities and towns to woo new businesses and keep them here.

For example, five Western Mass. companies are benefiting from a $19.4 million financing program for expansions and renovations announced in November (bonds provided by MassDevelopment are being purchased by several area banks), aimed at strengthening the manufacturing base. Funding has been awarded to Hazen Paper of Holyoke, Argotec of Greenfield, Petricca Industries of Pittsfield, Universal Plastics of Holyoke, and VCA Incorporated of Northampton, and the project is expected to help create 84 new jobs.

And just last month, the Hampden County Regional Employment Board announced the creation of the E. Herbert Burk Fund, established with a $600,000 gift from Burk’s family, to award scholarships and programs to increase interest and job training in the precision machine and tooling industry.

Burk’s story was one of hard work and perseverance paying off, and one that his family, the REB, and others want to see replicated. But more importantly, they want people to understand that it can be replicated.

Industry in Western Mass. is often looked at as the region’s legacy of years gone by. But a point often missed when discussing manufacturing is that it does not stand alone, but rather stands primed and ready to serve as a feeder to countless other promising industries, including biotechnology and life sciences, which received $1 billion worth of attention from Gov. Deval Patrick in 2007.

As we enter a new year, it’s important to remember that manufacturing is not just a part of our past. It’s a key piece of the present, and of the future.

By
Departments

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

A to Z Home Improvement
McGowan, Edward T.
39 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Akers, Maureen K.
98 Hinckley St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Alvarado, Aida G.
130 Darling St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Alvarado, Maria E.
688 High St., Apt. 2L
Holyoke, MA 01040-4724
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/06

Avgoustakis, Tsambikos E.
66 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089-2045
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/06

Barcomb, Robert M.
14 Sylvan St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Barnaby, Terri Lee
Rte. 44 Wabasso St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Benoit, Jennifer A.
a/k/a Pula, Jennifer
14 Davis St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Boinay, Thomas J.
Boinay, Donna C.
19 East Pike Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Bozego Valley Enterprise
Lakota, Stanley J.
PO Box 8
Whatley, MA 01093
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Briggs, Gerald H.
51 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Bryant, Theresa M.
65 Washburn St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/06

Burns, Dale Randall
1084 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Burns, Stephen D.
57 Decorie Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Clark, George H.
80 Stewart St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Clark, Mavis
P.O. Box 2942
Amherst, MA 01004
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/06

Coady, John R.
29 Golden Court
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Corbisiero, Sandra M.
686 Beacon Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/06

Costa, Ann
93 Grocmal Ave., Lot 145
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Crabb, Gillian Michele
37A Mountain St.
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Deeley, Jeffrey J.
39 Temple St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Franklin, Arthur A.
1159 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Gendreau, Denice M.
59 North Branch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Glancy, John J.
178 Northampton St., Apt. R
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Hayden, Tracy Robert
Hayden, Christyana Ruth
99 Stage Road
Cummington, MA 01026
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Jacikas, Bernard F.
69 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Jarvais, Wilfred L.
3 Woodland Heights
P.O. Box 295
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/06

Lavallee, Michael A.
185 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Leger, Gary Michael
77 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Lekov, Colleen Marie
79 Donna Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/06

  

Luu, Hoa N.
19 Niles St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/06

Malloy, James A.
880 Hubbardston Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/06

Melendez, Juan R.
Melendez, Norma I.
33 Margaret St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Miles, Deborah
138 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Moore, Michelle B.
297 East Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Norman, Jeannette A.
79 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Olenick, Michael L
17 Stivens Ter.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/06

Pinkham, Randy Charles
Pinkham, Patricia Jayne
11 Stanley St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Pinkney, Michael J.
34 Berkeley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Pleau, Richard Alan
38 Springside Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/06

Pratz-Diaz, Mayra
45 Willow St. #325
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/06

Randolph, LaShanda
153 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Rennix, Bobbie L.
57 Lynebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Rickard, Roy L.
Rickard, Kathy J.
a/k/a Grace, Kathy J.
379 North Westfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/06

Riopelle, Christine M.
142 Canon Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Rios, Ramon
170 Corthell St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/06

Rivera, Angel L.
799 Silver St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Selvy, Rae E.
114 Emerson RD, PT D104
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/06

Seymour, Desiree Frances
52 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/06

Simulynas, Scott
Simulynas, Kelly A.
125 Glendale Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/06

Smith, Eleanor D.
70B Stillwater Road
South Deerfield, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Smith, Lorrie A.
a/k/a Ledoux, Lorrie A.
112 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Stewart, Renee M.
36 Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/06

Tersavich, Richard E.
7 Deer Run
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/27/06

Topic, Meliha
170 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/06

Vazquez, Nelida
53 Langdon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/06

Volff, James Henry
Volff, Charlene Judith
8 Phillips Hill
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/06

Woodward, Steven
Woodward, Darlene
129 Pinegrove St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/06