Home Archive by category Departments (Page 136)

Departments

By
Departments

Honoring Entrepreneurship

On Oct. 4, Springfield Technical Community College staged its 9th Annual Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. Above, representatives of the Class of 2007 gather for a group photo. The Hall inducted Theodore Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), members of the Bassett family (Bassett Boat), members of the Roberts Family (F.L. Roberts), members of the Falcone family (Rocky’s Hardware), George and Charles Merriam (Merriam-Webster), and members of the Gordenstein family (Broadway Office Interiors). BusinessWest uses the occasion to present its annual ‘Top Entrepreneur’ award. For 2006, that honor went to the Falcone family. At right, BusinessWest senior writer Jaclyn Stevenson (second from left) presents a plaque to (from left) Rocco, Claire, and Jayson Falcone.

A Grand Opening

Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, center, joins Square One President and CEO Joan Kagan and Board Chair Ken Tobias, vice president of TD Banknorth, to celebrate the Holyoke Center’s grand opening on Oct. 4. Square One’s newest center, its first in Holyoke, will provide early education and care services to approximately 100 infant, toddler, and preschool-age children with an emphasis, through its Parenting Works program, on parent education, support, and training.

By
Departments

Weight Staff


Mark Archer, right, vice president of Del Padre Visual Productions (DVP) in East Longmeadow, recently experienced the rare thrill of weightlessness aboard G-Force One, a specially outfitted 727 operated by the Zero Gravity Corp. DVP was contributing HD video footage of the event for a documentary for Northrop Grumman’s “Weightless Flights of Discovery” program, in which teachers from around the country get to bring the experience back to their classrooms and promote excitement in science education.


Matthew Reyes, director of Technical Operations for Zero-G, giving Archer a hand in keeping stable while weightless.

Cigars Under the Stars

More than 50 cigar aficionados turned out Sept. 18 for a special night at Max’s Tavern called ‘Cigars Under the Stars,’ a name that pretty much tells the story of this event. At top, from left, are Mark Lauria of Rexel CLS, Dirk Kidwell of Kidwell Electric, and Vito Costantiello and Joe Lapuma, both of Rexel CLS. Bottom, from left, are Max Bichler of The Cigar Agency, Michael Lynch of Florence Savings Bank, Jeff Anderson of the Crystal Company, Karin Tranghese, owner of The Cigar Room, Bob Borawski and Dave Malek, both of Borawski Insurance, and Ken Salem, of Salem Board & Beam.

Marketing Vehicle

On Sept. 12, Innovative Business Systems Inc. of Easthampton hosted a Technology Showcase featuring many local and national vendors, highlighted by the Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience vehicle. Pictured are Joseph Parente, left, and Dan Grenier, both of Grynn & Barrett Studios.

Meeting of the Minds

Modeling Change in Urban Communities was the first in a four-part planning series that will be hosted by Holyoke Community College’s Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development. At the Sept. 18 installment, urban policy experts James Stergios and Barry Bluestone put a magnifying glass to the struggles and triumphs that frame the experience of older industrial cities like Springfield, Holyoke, and Pittsfield. The two-and-a-half-hour meeting sparked some interesting discussion. From left are Bluestone, Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan, Stergios, state Sen. Senator Michael Knapik, and Allan Blair, president/CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass.

Happy 20th

Ronald Marino, left, president of Uplinc, accepts a proclamation from state Rep. James Welch that recognizes the company on its 20th anniversary.

Physically and ‘Fiscally’ Fit Triathletes

More than 50 agents and employees of MassMutual and their families and friends recently participated in the Danskin Women’s Triathlon in Webster. Many triathletes participating in the race, which MassMutual sponsors nationally, raised money through pledges to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. MassMutual also hosted a pre-race ‘Pearls of Wisdom’ seminar, as it does in each of the triathlon series’ cities, to educate participants about ‘fiscal’ fitness. For each attendee, MassMutual donated $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Last year, MassMutual donated more than $7,000 to the foundation as part of its involvement, and expects the total to be even higher this year.

 

The Life Sciences Race Isn’t Over Yet

By
Opinion

It would be easy for area economic development leaders to say that Worcester has won the life sciences and biotechnology race — or at least the contest for the development that hasn’t taken place in Cambridge and Boston.

It is a fact that Worcester took an early lead over the Pioneer Valley in nurturing a biosciences sector and then building an infrastructure that would foster new development and jobs. And it has only increased that lead over the past decade.

There are many reasons why the gap is so big, starting with simple geography; Worcester is an hour from Cambridge (if the traffic isn’t heavy), and Springfield is two hours away. But there’s more to it than that. Worcester aggressively pursued opportunities in this sector — sometimes luring entrepreneurs who did their research in this region as it did so — and has been diligent in creating both a proper environment and a qualified workforce to support and expand a biosciences cluster.

Those in Western Mass. need telescopes to see Worcester, it is so far ahead, and can really only dream of matching that city’s success and sharing its prospects for the future.

But the race isn’t over.

This region can still get in it, and it must, because this is a race where there could be many winners. And the prizes are substantial, starting, but certainly not ending, with Gov. Deval Patrick’s $1 billion life sciences initiative, which promises state funding to businesses, colleges, health care institutions, and other entities that can turn research into badly needed, high-paying jobs.

To get in the biosciences game, the region simply has to be more aggressive, as Worcester was and still is, in both marketing its resources and developing that critical infrastructure needed to support biosciences companies. The region has the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, a cutting edge biomedical research center, but it does not have the workforce or available facilities with which companies can start or grow — at least to the extent that Worcester does.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Worcester Business Development Corp. have partnered to build Gateway Park, an 11-acre mixed-use complex in the heart of that city’s downtown that will be devoted to research and incubating companies in the broad biosciences realm. This region can’t be expected to duplicate that effort — not soon, anyway — but it must do something to display a commitment to this sector and give businesses and entrepreneurs a reason to look in this direction.

For years, economic development leaders have been touting this area as a lower-cost alternative to Boston and the Route 128 beltway. While this is obviously true, the region must be able to do more than say it’s cheaper. Worcester has learned that lesson, and the Valley should take note.

The region has a number of assets to bring to the table in the quest for jobs in the biosciences. It has UMass Amherst and the research facilities there, and it has a number of top-shelf health care providers. It also has that quality of life it touts so heavily and those lower prices on housing, real estate, office space, and living in general.

It needs to put this package together, polish it, and then market it aggressively, because unlike the governor’s plans for casinos — a very democratic model where each area of the state benefits — the fruits of the biosciences race will go to those that have earned them.

As noted (repeatedly) by those who spoke with BusinessWest this issue about the prospects for biosciences development in this region, the huge circle that identifies the so-called life sciences super-cluster on maps of the Commonwealth covers Worcester, Cambridge, and everything in between. In Western Mass., there are but a few tiny specks to identify the handful of life sciences and biotechnology ventures here.

The region could someday be covered by that larger dot. It just has to get into the race, and remember that this is a marathon.-

By
Departments

Museum Marks 5th Anniversary

Sept. 22-Jan. 27 & Nov. 15-March 9: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst recently launched a full slate of fall programs in celebration of its fifth anniversary, including two special exhibitions. “Spiderwick: From Page to Screen,” runs through Jan. 27. The show explores the art of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s The Spiderwick Chronicles, and follows the story’s translation to the big screen (coming Feb. 15, 2008). The second exhibition, “Children Should Be Seen: The Image of the Child in American Picture Book Art,” opens Nov. 15 and runs through March 9. The show features the work of 84 artists in a comprehensive survey of the best American picture book art of the last decade.

Furniture Art & Craft 2007

Through Oct. 28: Danish Inspirations in West Hatfield will host Furniture Art & Craft 2007, a regional furniture makers’ exhibit. The theme of the second annual show is “Extending the Boundaries of Quality.” For more information, contact Peter Knapp at Danish Inspirations, (413) 247-5681, Bill Sheckels at (413) 773-8244, or visit www.danishinspirations.biz/FAAC2007.html.

University Without Walls Info Sessions

Oct. 2, 13, 18, 24, 27, 30: The University Without Walls (UWW) at UMass Amherst will conduct small group information sessions with a UWW representative who will review all the key features of the program and answer prospective students’ questions. UWW is an adult bachelor’s degree completion program that offers extensive business-related course offerings. In addition, students design their own degrees and earn credit for the learning and experience they have done “outside the walls” of UMass Amherst. Sessions are slated Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 13, 10 a.m.; Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 24, 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 27, 10 a.m., and Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes each and are held at the UWW office at 100 Venture Way, Suite 200, Hadley. Anyone interested in attending a session can sign up online at http://www.umass.edu/uww.info_sessions/small_group.html, or call (413) 545-1378.

SCORE Workshop

Oct. 5: A workshop, Tips on Commercializing Your Innovation, sponsored by the Western Massachusetts chapter of SCORE, will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, One Federal St., Springfield. The workshop is specifically directed to the business innovator/inventor. Dave Wentworth, a SCORE counselor and businessman, will be the facilitator. The cost is $25 and pre-registration is required. For more information, call (413) 785-0314 to leave your name and phone number.

Fall Shopping Fair

Oct. 11: A ‘Fall Shopping Fair’ will be staged at Ludlow Country Club to benefit the Rays of Hope Foundation. The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., will feature a number of local vendors displaying apparel, floral items, jewelry, culinary products, skin care items, and more. There is no entrance fee, but donations to benefit Rays of Hope will be accepted. For more information, call (413) 583-3434, ext. 2.

Menopause Lecture

Oct. 16: “Bio-Identical Hormones: What’s It All About?” will be presented at 6:30 p.m. at the Quantum Life Management Center, 30 Westwood Ave., East Longmeadow. Bio-identical hormones are an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy for the symptoms of menopause. Jenifer Fleming of The Counseling & Gynecology Group in East Longmeadow is the presenter. There is no charge for the informational session.

Education & Trade Fair Show

Oct. 17: The Realtor® Association of Pioneer Valley, Inc. will sponsor its 14th annual Education and Trade Fair Show from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Springfield Sheraton. The event combines educational opportunities and a trade show for realtors and affiliates. Highlights will include keynote speaker Darryl Davis, a real estate trainer and motivational speaker; a continental breakfast and lunch for attendees, and a wine and cheese party at the culmination of the day’s festivities.

CHD Conference

Oct. 23: The Center for Human Development will present its third annual conference titled “Through Her Eyes, the Experience of Girls and the Juvenile Justice System,” from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel in West Springfield. The theme is “Relationships for Success: Critical Pathways for Supporting Young Women.” The conference will feature 12 workshops, with special emphasis on relationships, empowerment, and mentoring. The closing panel discussion will provide perspectives of women who have been in the criminal justice system and opportunities to relate their experiences to concepts presented throughout the workshops and addresses. Through their stories of challenges and successes, the women will give conference attendees an opportunity to experience the system through their eyes. Keynote speakers include Dr. Stephanie Covington, Ph.D., L.C.S.W., and Andrea Johnston, J.D. Dr. Covington founded the Center for Gender and Justice and the Institute for Relational Development. Johnston co-founded with Gloria Steinem the Girls Speak Out Foundation, and recently launched “The Caged Bird Sings Project” that empowers girls isolated in extreme circumstances in the United States and Africa. For reservations and more information, contact Ruth Dudley-Carr at (413) 737-2679, or register online at www.throughhereyes.org.

Chefs for Healthy Babies

Nov. 5: Signature chefs from across Western Mass. will present a culinary extravaganza during the annual March of Dimes “Chefs for Healthy Babies” fundraiser that begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Log Cabin in Holyoke. Highlights of the evening affair also include a wine tasting and silent and live auctions. For additional information and online registration, visit www.marchofdimes.com/ma or call the Chapter office at (508) 329-2800.

Six Flags CEO To Address A.I.M.

Nov. 9: Marc Shapiro, president and CEO of Six Flags, Inc., will outline his managing style for overseeing the world’s largest regional theme park company during the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Executive Forum meeting at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the program from 8 to 9:15 a.m. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org.

‘Selling Products Globally’

Nov. 15: Holland & Bonzagni, P.C., registered patent attorneys based in Longmeadow, will present an informative workshop from noon to 4:30 p.m. on how to sell products in today’s global market. The event is planned at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, Conn. Speakers include Carl R. Jacobsen and Sharon Bongiovanni, both of the Middletown U.S. Export Assistance Center; Stephen Sarro of A.N. Deringer, Inc.; Joseph H. Bartozzi, Esq., of O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., and Donald S. Holland, Esq., of Holland & Bonzagni, P.C. The cost is $50, which includes a buffet luncheon. For more information, call (413) 567-2076 or register online at www.hblaw.org.

Bright Nights Ball

Nov. 17: East Longmeadow-based Hasbro Games will be the sponsor of the 2007 City of Bright Nights Ball, which will take on a Monopoly® theme. The event, the major fundraiser for the Spririt of Springfield, which puts on the annual holiday display in Forest Park known as Bright Nights, will take place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner, dancing and the opportunity to win and purchase some fabulous items. Guests will be able to purchase Monopoly deeds, everything from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk, and redeem them for prizes. Bidding on five showcase items will begin on-line in early November and be completed the evening of the gala. Other premium items will be sold in an on-line auction. Auction items will be announced at a later date. In addition to Hasbro Games, the City of Bright Nights Ball is being supported by Bay State Health, Health New England, MassMutual Financial Group, and Sheraton Springfield. Tickets to the 12th annual City of Bright Nights Ball are $500 per couple. Tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.

Money Smart Program

Oct. 30-Nov. 27: The Holyoke Credit Union will once again offer its free award-winning financial education program titled Money Smart this fall which covers a multitude of personal banking and finance subjects. The course will be conducted on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. for five consecutive weeks at the Holyoke Credit Union’s main branch at 490 Westfield Road, Holyoke. The program is free to the public, however, pre-registration is required. Registration may be made at any branch location or by calling (413) 532-7007.

By
Departments

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

Dowland, Christopher
Dowland, Jennifer
8 Bayberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/24/07

Bashara, Jeffrey G.
66 Springside Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/24/07

Benoit, Donna M.
3125 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/22/07

Cancro, Corrina M.
23 Veazie St., Apt. 1
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/27/07

Capriati, David J.
105 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/21/07

Charron, David E.
232 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/16/07

Collamore, Robert L.
20 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/16/07

Couture, Sharon M.
125 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Elegant Touch Friesians
Theroux, Sandee Lee
15 Birchwood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Eruditions
Kibbe, Daniel W.
243 Circle Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/24/07

Fernandes, Steven A.
24 Maple St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/27/07

Flagg, Mary M.
Flagg, Mary M.
207 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/19/07

Francis, Debra A.
334 Page Blvd., #2
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/17/07

Fresia-Tucker, Ida M.
103 Euclid Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/21/07

Generoso, Robin Marie
96 Lawton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Ilnicky-Mercier, Robyn Ellen
a/k/a Mercier, Robyn Ellen
84 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Jordan, Anthony L.
459 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/22/07

Larson, Christina A.
Porcino, Christina A.
84 Stony Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/24/07

Mann, Michael Steven
Allah-Mann, Jah-Ahbu Lakim
21-23 Continental St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/24/07

McCarthy, John
McCarthy, June A.
53 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/27/07

McClure, Edith F.
35 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/24/07

  

Mercier, James William
84 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Miner, Steven K.
27 Hadley Road, #170
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Morales, Juanita
196 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/25/07

Ocasio, Abil J.
107 Vadnais St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/21/07

Ocasio, Theresa J.
123 Cross Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

O’Connor, Sean Patrick
Henry-O’Connor, Heather
60 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/17/07

Ortensi, Deborah A.
3 Frederick Place
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/16/07

Ortiz, Gloria J.
34 Talcott Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/27/07

Pabon, Luis D.
882 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/21/07

Perez, Rafael
135 Meetinghouse Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/17/07

Russell, Barbara Ellen
a/k/a Bourgeois, Barbara E.
P.O. Box 163
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/17/07

Settle, Christopher A.
Settle, Jennifer L.
223 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/16/07

Sheridan, Peter S.
427 Green River Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/27/07

Smith, Richard
Smith, Holly
5 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/24/07

Spaulding, Dwight Joseph
56 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/21/07

The Associate Group
Scott, Timothy
P.O. Box 91079
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/20/07

Tyler, Gregory D.
144 South Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/17/07

Viruet, Zoraya
49 Ansara St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/23/07

Walker, Barbara N.
8 Murphy Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/16/07

Whitehead, Frank L.
23 Avondale Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/16/07

By
Departments

Webster Bank Plans More Branches

LONGMEADOW — By the end of the year, Webster Bank will expand its presence by adding a branch in town and one in East Longmeadow. Currently, Webster Bank has locations in Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. Officials from the Waterbury, Conn.-based bank noted that adding branches is a continuing extension of growth in the I-91 corridor between Hartford and Springfield. In town, the branch at 408 Longmeadow St. is expected to be open by mid-October. The East Longmeadow branch will be located at the Center Village shops and is scheduled for a December opening.

Hulmes Transportation Services Wins PVTA Contract

SPRINGFIELD — Hulmes Transportation Services of Belchertown recently received a three-year, $15 million contract to provide dial-a-ride shuttle services in Hampden and Hampshire counties for the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). Almost two years ago, Hulmes was among the offices raided when the FBI probed into suspected bid-rigging by former PVTA Administrator Gary A. Shepard. Hulmes emerged from that criminal investigation unscathed.

Microtest Labs Is Finalist for Economic Impact Award

AGAWAM — Microtest Laboratories of Agawam has been named as a finalist for the 2007 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award by the Massachusetts Alliance For Economic Development (MAED). The Awards honor the companies that have made the strongest contributions over the past year to the Massachusetts economy through job creation and business expansion. Microtest is being considered for its impact and contributions in Western Mass. Microtest, a leader in testing services and contract manufacturing for the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, employs more than 100 in Agawam. The company recently completed a $7.5 million expansion to its headquarters, adding new state-of-the art pharmaceutical testing laboratories and new aseptic fill/finish manufacturing facilities – along with new professional staff. The company has working partnerships with economic and business organizations throughout Western Mass. — and deep relationships with the region’s educational institutions. “Everyone at Microtest is extremely proud” of being named a finalist by MAED, said Steven Richter, Ph. D., President and Scientific Founder of Microtest. “Our mission is to become a long term economic driver in the valley.” MAED is a private, non-profit partnership of business, industry leaders, and government dedicated to the economic growth of Massachusetts. MAED will announce its 2007 Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Award winners during a special luncheon on Nov. 20. For more information, visit www.massecon.com.

Mary E. Davis ICU Opens at Mercy Medical Center

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center has completed the first phase of an extensive construction and renovation project to improve patient care services and operational efficiency in both its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Ambulatory Services Unit. A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Mary E. Davis Intensive Care Unit was staged Sept. 24. The program also featured a blessing by the Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. The new ICU, located on the third floor of Mercy Medical Center, features private rooms for each patient, direct access to windows or natural light, and 280 square feet of space within each room. Family members and visitors will also find additional space inside patient rooms and in common areas. With the completion of the ICU, construction efforts will now concentrate on renovations of the Ambulatory Services Unit, also located on the third floor. Plans call for the construction of separate pre-operative and post-operative areas, the addition of private recovery rooms, and the modification of walls to increase staff visibility to patients. Hospital operations will continue uninterrupted during the second phase of construction. The $16 million project is scheduled for completion during the summer of 2008.

Berriman & Associates Inc. Changes Name

EAST LONGMEADOW — Berriman & Associates, Inc., a local wealth management and retirement consulting firm, became ONE Source Financial Group Inc., effective Oct. 1. The firm has been serving the needs of local companies and investors for 20 years, and its new name reflects the growth of the company and the services offered, according to company officials.

Vann Group Company Announces New Affiliation

SPRINGFIELD — Client First Associates, a city based organizational development firm and a Vann Group company, announced a new affiliation with Ann Holland, currently an adjunct professor at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The firm specializes in organizational conflict resolution, leadership development, strategic facilitation, organizational assessment and design, team building, hiring models, training and employee development, and compensation systems. Holland has an extensive business background in operations, marketing, training and development. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Management and has received her certification as a business and life coach through IPEC and the International Coaching Federation. Client First Associates is owned by the Vann Group, a Springfield-based business advisory firm specializing in helping companies in transition.

By
Departments

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Titan Roofing Company v. Klewin Building Company
Allegation: Breach of contract – unpaid services: $21,674.50

Steven Moran & Noreen Nowak-Moran v. Dan’s Quality Roofing
Allegation: Breach of contract – services not rendered: $6,500

Joe R. Perez, Delia Perez, Edwin O. Graciani, Elba L. Ruiz v. The Commerce Insurance Company
Allegation: Breach of contract-non-payment of personal injury benefits: $3,367

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Action Air Inc. v. DJB Building and Construction & Greenfield Hotel, Inc.
Allegation: Breach of construction contract: $18,000

Kirk D. Ovitt Builders v. Robert Deeley Builders
Allegation: Breach of contract-failure to pay for services: $37,111

Mohammed Malekniaz v. Rodney Hunt Company, Inc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, and retaliation: $25,000

Orange Oil Company, Inc. v. Eastern Services Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay for goods: $65,598.37

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Blake Equipment Company v. Michael D. O’Dell d/b/a Mike’s Pump
Allegation: Nonpayment of goods and services: $6,672.02

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Mirta Figueroa v. City of Springfield
Allegation: Action against the Commonwealth: $3,274

Shemy Lynch v. Comcast Cable Communication Inc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination: $25,000

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

General Casualty Insurance Company v. Hebert Plumbing Company
Allegation: Negligence causing destruction of property: $177,837.70

Biolase Technolog, Inc. v. Martin A. Wolh, D.D.S.
Allegation: Failure to pay for merchandise: $80,639

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Brent Delano v. Buderus Hydronic Systems
Allegation: Breach of contract: $22,500

Broadcast Music Inc. v. La Casuela Restaurant
Allegation: Breach of contract: $1,209.99

Vistar Corporation v. Todd Denis d/b/a Wings & Things
Allegation: Breach of contract: $6,564

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Joseph & Katherine Gonyea v. Metropolitan Property & Casualty Insurance Company
Allegation: Breach of contract: $22,999

Saga Communications v. Salty Dog Saloon
Allegation: Nonpayment of services rendered: $5,770.81

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

B & M Electric v. Four Plus LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $1,630

New England Custom Countertops Inc. v. Regal Homes & Development
Allegation: Breach of contract-recovery for unpaid services: $1,129.28

Patricia Pezzillo v. Halsted Communications, LTD
Allegation: Property damage due to negligence: $1,500

Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation v. F.L. Roberts & Company d/b/a Golden Nozzle Car Wash
Allegation: Recovery for damages to car: $1,538.78

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2007.

AGAWAM

Mr. T’s Cleaning Service
50 Wilson St.
William Tessicini

The Cutting Edge
28 Southwick St.
Linda Gill

The Grout Doctor
38 Dolores Lane
Sean  Devall

The Piano Loft
375 Walnut St.
Linda Gill

AMHERST

Amherst Hairstyles
40 Main St.
Terry L. Knott

K. Chulu Bags
85 Mt. Holyoke Dr.
Kaye E. Dougan

Mustard Seed Press
263 Northampton Road
Melanie Krumrey

CHICOPEE

As Promised Professional Cleaning Service
41 Sullivan St.
Flavio Nunes da Cunha

Sweet St. Confections
252 Columbia St.
Janet Allen

TNT Restaurant
82 Main St.
Timothy Ruel

EASTHAMPTON

Autumn Management
181 Northampton St.
Richard R. Boyle

Mary Lemoine Designs
56 Loudville Road
Mary M. Lemoine

EAST LONGMEADOW

East Meadows Farm
135 Parker St.
Kimberly & Gary Turnberg

Flowers and More
126 Shaker Road
Cheryl A. Shaw

GREENFIELD

Extreme Styles
395 Federal St.
Jeffrey Ennis

Franklin First Federal Credit Union
57 Newton St.
Martha Richardson

Magic Fuels
486 Bernardston Road
Geo T. George

HADLEY

Kothar Imports
206 Middle St.
Bastian H. Aue

Millennium Hair Salon
195 Russell St.
Dinita Ann Dominick

HOLYOKE

Amedeo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
8 North Bridge St.
Tony Dibenedetto

Apple Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Terry Ryan

Good Fella’s Barber Shop
671 High St.
John Alicea

Highland Farms
636 Main St.
Deborah A. Shah

Los Master Social Club
65 Commercial St.
Beatriz Rodriguez

Pretty Nails & Tan
2257 Northampton St.
Ngocgiao Dinh

Professional Machine
518 Maple St.
Vladislav M. Yefimiadi

Sonido Musical
327 High St.
Jorge Alban

LONGMEADOW

Enterprises
79 Longview St.
Carolyn Loewenthal

Carlson GMAC Realty
688 Bliss Road
David Bricker

Corey Benjamin James
38 Fairview St.
Corey B. James

ELL Educational Consultants Associates
PO Box 60202
Janine Ann Preston

The New England Relocation Group
688 Bliss Road
David Bricker

NORTHAMPTON

Beyond Landscape Contracting
20 Union St.
Lawrence A. Brotherton

Calvin Coolidge Nursing and Rehabilitation
548 Elm St.
Alberto Lugo

Divine Energetics
13 Old South Road
Patricia E. Sommeling

J. Rick Construction
51 Conz St.
Jose Mayancela

Pam’s Kickin Kuts
92 King St.
Pamela Bushey

PALMER

Body Piercing by Colleen
3033 Main St.
Colleen M. Maloney

Captain Fitness
21 Wilbraham St.
Michael Houle

Carlson GMAC Real Estate
1581 Main St.
David M. Bricker

Deans Vintage Performance
251 Breckenridge St.
Dean Rymer

Luke’s Beer & Wine
1478 Main St.
Joppu Lukose

Kszepka Insurance
2376 Main St.
Paul Kszepka

SOUTH HADLEY

People’s Bank
494 Newton Ave.
Jeannine M. Pelchat

Pro/Team
20 The Knolls
W. Bryan Bruce

  

Veryl’s Auto Service Inc.
644 Newton St.
Denis Poirier

SOUTHWICK

Gigi’s Pizza II Inc.
108 Congamond Road
Matthew J. Roberts

Simply Made Gift Baskets
1 Blackberry Crescent
Nicole Markel

Lakeside M.I.T.
33 Miller Road
Jill L. Dalton

SPRINGFIELD

Miguel Coamo Auto Detailing
197 Plainfield St.
Miguel A. Velazquez

Millennium Nails Salon
1655 Boston Road
Nhac Truong

Mr. Tux #5188
1267 Boston Road
Mitchell’s Formal

Neivar Enterprises Inc.
1487 Bay St.
Thomas D. Lesperance

North End Funeral Home
130 Carew St.
Jorge Colon

Nu Visions Manufacturing
225 Carando Dr.
Lori Ann Jarrett

Perfect Cleaning Solutions
723 Belmont Ave.
Nathan Meckling

Persona Bleu
102 Balboa Dr.
Jason Corbin

Pine Hill Towing
95 Newfield Road
Kenneth E. White

Quax Caricatures
12 Mattoon St.
Quincy Brown

Ralph’s Home Improvement
149 South Tallyho Dr.
Ralph A. Smith

Refrexcentro
1129 State St.
Tomas Carrasquillo

Rosewood Consulting
34 Sumner Ave.
Lisa Marie Andoscia

Saint James Management
350 St. James Ave.
Michael J. Begley

Side Bar Café
91 State St.
Katherine Walz

St. James Custom Auto Body
503 St. James Ave.
Cory A. Taylor

Supreme Auto Sales
1608 State St.
Jose Concepcion

Sweeney Roofing
107 Cliftwood St.
William Marchetti

Tele-Talk Communication
430 Belmont Ave.
Jean Carol Mattson

Touch of Wellness
112 Island Pond Road
Michelle Rijos

Trendsetters Clothing
897 Carew St.
Jaycie Olivero

Tristan & Company
830 Carew St.
Michael James

Unity World
106 Edendale St.
Dion Byrd

Wheeler’s Convenience
142 Dickinson St.
Rizvan Merza

Young Mom’s Laundramat
169 Hancock St.
Suk Hui Forrester

WESTFIELD

A-1 Nolan Realty
350 Elm St.
Steve Rovithis

Chinto’s Pizza & Restaurant
868 Southampton Road
Jacinto Blanco-Munoz

Creative Photography
52 Murray Ave.
Andrea J. York

Creative Publications
52 Murray Ave.
Andrea J. York

Hair Masters
8 Main St.
Julie L. Duris

JJ International
73 Colony Dr.
John H. Jaszek

J&M Stables
598 Southwick Road
Mary E. Hayden

Precision Panels
66 South Broad St.
Michael Lemelin

Real China
116 Elm St.
Xiang Tony Ni

SM Courier
440 East Mountain Road
Sandra Morris

SRC Consulting
31 Cara Lane
Shawn Czepiel

WEST SPRINGFIELD

A.G. Golf Repairs & Refinishing
83 Spring St.
Joseph C. Agostino

Academy of Tae Kwon Do
632 Kings Highway
Angela M. Park

Day’s Inn
437 Riverdale St.
Patel Brothers Corporation

Kozar’s Delicatessen
246 Elm Ave.
Steven Kozar

Manchester Home Improvement
209 Rogers Ave.
Barry Manchester

Medequip Inc.
134 Bliss St.
William Russell

Suburban Painting
34 Eldridge Ave.
Ralph Figueroa

West Side Auction
414 Park St.
Lynn E. Ugolini

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

Ganpati Inc., 36 Yarmouth Dr., Agawam 01001. Dinesh P. Patel, same. Convenience store.

AMHERST

Samadisy Inc., 345 Lincoln Ave., #921, Amherst 01002. Amr Elssamadisy, same. To own, develop and market software ideas and companies.

BELCHERTOWN

Mass Information Technology Solutions Inc., 32A Everett Ave., Belchertown 01007. Shahid Habib, same. Information technology solutions.

CHICOPEE

Couture Realty Inc., 67 Ross Ave., Chicopee 01020. Raymond G. Couture, same. Real estate acquisition.

EASTHAMPTON

We Love Bicycles Inc., 4 Applewood Circle, Easthampton 01027. Daniel Richard Coady, same. Retail sales of bicycle related items.

Worldwide Covering Inc., 150 Pleasant St., Easthampton 01027. Glenn T. Labay, same. (Foreign corp; NV) Protection covers for aircraft engines.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Grimaldi Painting Inc., 102 Lee St., East Longmeadow 01028. John A. Grimaldi, same. Painting and paint contractor.

Radcliffe is the Reason and Arthur Too! Fight Autism Inc., 63 Heathertone Dr., East Longmeadow 01028. Radcliffe F. Kenison, same. (Nonprofit) To help raise public awareness of how Autism effects the individual, families, and communities, etc.

HOLYOKE

Baskets and Broken Bread Inc., 372 Maple St., 4R, Holyoke 01040. Kathleen Wilkinson, same. (Nonprofit) For the enrichment and empowerment of inner city residents to enable them to have a more meaningful life, etc.

LONGMEADOW

Massachusetts Citizens for Africa Inc., 92 Riverview Ave., Longmeadow 01106. Gabriel I. Mokwuah, same. (Nonprofit) To establish a humanitarian society to promote charitale works aimed at enhancing the well-being of the society in Africa, etc.

NORTHAMPTON

Hampshire County Bar Association Foundation Inc., 15 Gothic St., Northampton 01060. Alfred P. Chamberland, 5 Arthur St., Easthampton 01027. (Nonprofit) To research any branch of the law, making results freely available to the public, improve the administration of justice, etc.

  

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Jewish Historical Society of Western Massachusetts Inc., Old Firehouse, Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield 01373. Kenneth N. Schoen, same. (Nonprofit) To provide a resource facility for research on Jewish llfe and activities in Western Massachusetts.

SOUTH HADLEY

Ahsan International Inc., 18 Main St., Suite 2B, South Hadley 01075. Ahsan Latif, same. Trading merchandise.

SOUTHWICK

VMDJ Inc., 8 Buckingham Dr., Southwick 01077. Paul D. Musselwhite, same. To operate a convenience store, etc.

SPRINGFIELD

Advanced Incident Management Corp., 45 Carlisle St., Springfield 01109. Garry A. Porter, same. Management services.

El Bohio Corp., 1655 Main St., Suite 201, Springfield 01103. Miguel Martinez, 13 Donbray Road, Springfield 01129. Real estate acquisition and development.

Joseph Freedman Export Mgmt. Co. Inc., 115 Stevens St., Springfield 01104. John Freedman, same. Sales representative.

St. James Cleaners Inc., 1003 Saint James Ave., Springfield 01104. Myung Sik Kim, same. Dry cleaner.

WESTHAMPTON

Robert H. Dunn, Jr. Construction Services Inc., 43 Burt Road, Westhampton 01027. Lynn M. Dunn, same. Construction services.

WILBRAHAM

SK3 Realty Inc., 840 Ridge Road, Wilbraham 01095. Stanley Kowalski, III, same. To hold real estate.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Grand Central Vac Inc., 745 Memorial Dr., West Springfield 01089. Daniel J. Desnoyers, 16 Ryan Dr., West Springfield 01089. Central vacuum systems.

By
Departments

Holyoke Chamber Breakfast

Sept. 18: A regional business audience will hear about the latest economic research for cities across the state from 7:45 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kittredge Center of Holyoke Community College (HCC), hosted by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. The breakfast event, titled ‘Modeling Change for Urban Communities,’ will feature guest speakers James Stergios, executive director of the Pioneer Institute, and Barry Bluestone, dean of the School of Social Science, Urban Affairs, and Public Policy, and director of the Center for Urban and Regional Policy at Northeastern University. The event is the first in a series of economic forecasting programs, and will feature two leaders in economic research and public policy. Tickets are $20 each, and reservations must be made in advance by calling the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376.

Casino Debate

Sept. 18: Will Massachusetts roll the dice on casino gambling? What are the implications if it does or doesn’t? A provocative discussion on the topic with proponents, opponents, and experts is planned from 8:15 to 10 a.m. at the Omni Parker House Hotel, Press Room, in Boston, hosted by members of the Mass. Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC). Panel members will include state Rep. Dan Bosley (D-North Adams) and Richard McGowan of Boston College, author of Government and the Transformation of the Gaming Industry and The Gambling Debate, due out in November. For more information, call (617) 742-6800, ext. 120.

Chamber Courses

Sept. 25/Oct. 2: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will sponsor two courses this fall to help businesses plan for both startup and growth. The first course, Strategic Planning, will be conducted Sept. 25, while the second, Business Plan Instruction, is planned Oct. 2, both from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Both courses will be held at the STCU office at 453 East Main St., Westfield (Westfield Shops Plaza), sponsors of the program. Norman Halls from the Holbrook Company will lead the courses. When individuals complete the course, free counseling will be available from the University of Mass. Small Business Development Center. The cost for both programs is $35 per person for any chamber member or $50 for nonmembers. For reservations and more information, contact Lynn Boscher at (413) 568-1618 or via E-mail at [email protected].

AIM Executive Forum

Sept. 28: The Associated Industries of Mass. Executive Forum will host Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi for a discussion of critical business issues facing the Legislature during the fourth quarter of 2007 at its breakfast and networking meeting. Registration, breakfast and networking begins at 8 a.m. at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Speaker DiMasi’s presentation starts at 8:30. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org.

Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame Dinner

Oct. 4: The Western Mass. Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2007 at its Eighth Annual Induction and Banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. The event, one of the region’s largest networking events, will start with a reception at 5:30 and dinner at 7. This year’s inductees are: the Bassett family (Bassett Boat Company); the Falcone family (Rocky’s Ace Hardware); Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss); the Gordenstein family (Broadway Office Interiors); Charles & Merriam Webster (Merriam-Webster Inc.); and the Roberts family (F.L. Roberts). Tickets are $150 per person; tables of 10, $1,500. For more information or to order tockets, call (413) 730-6157.

SCORE Workshop

Oct. 5: A workshop, Tips on Commercializing Your Innovation, sponsored by the Western Massachusetts chapter of SCORE, will be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, One Federal St., Springfield. The workshop is specifically directed to the business innovator/inventor. Dave Wentworth, a SCORE counselor and businessman, will be the facilitator. The cost is $25 and pre-registration is required. For more information, call (413) 785-0314 to leave your name and phone number.

Fall Shopping Fair

Oct. 11: A ‘Fall Shopping Fair’ will be staged at Ludlow Country Club to benefit the Rays of Hope Foundation. The event, which kicks off at 5 p.m., will feature a number of local vendors displaying apparel, floral items, jewelry, culinary products, skin care items, and more. There is no entrance fee, but donations to benefit Rays of Hope will be accepted. For more information, call (413) 583-3434, ext. 2.

Education and Trade Fair Show

Oct. 17: The Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley, Inc. will sponsor its 14th annual Education and Trade Fair Show from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Springfield Sheraton. The event combines educational opportunities and a trade show for realtors and affiliates. Highlights will include keynote speaker Darryl Davis, a real estate trainer and motivational speaker; a continental breakfast and lunch for attendees, and a wine and cheese party at the culmination of the day’s festivities.

Money Smart Program

Oct. 30-Nov. 27: The Holyoke Credit Union will once again offer its free award-winning financial education program titled Money Smart this fall which covers a multitude of personal banking and finance subjects. The course will be conducted on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. for five consecutive weeks at the Holyoke Credit Union’s main branch at 490 Westfield Road, Holyoke. The program is free to the public, however, pre-registration is required. Registration may be made at any branch location or by calling (413) 532-7007.

Chefs for Healthy Babies

Nov. 5: Signature chefs from across Western Mass. will present a culinary extravaganza during the annual March of Dimes “Chefs for Healthy Babies” fundraiser that begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Log Cabin in Holyoke. Highlights of the evening affair also include a wine tasting and silent and live auctions. For additional information and online registration, visit www.marchofdimes.com/ma or call the Chapter office at (508) 329-2800.

Six Flags CEO To Address A.I.M.

Nov. 9: Marc Shapiro, president and CEO of Six Flags Inc., will outline his managing style for overseeing the world’s largest regional theme park company during the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Executive Forum meeting at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the program from 8 to 9:15 a.m. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org.

‘Selling Products Globally’

Nov. 15: Holland & Bonzagni, P.C., registered patent attorneys based in Longmeadow, will present an informative workshop from noon to 4:30 p.m. on how to sell products in today’s global market. The event is planned at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, Conn. Speakers include Carl R. Jacobsen and Sharon Bongiovanni, both of the Middletown U.S. Export Assistance Center; Stephen Sarro of A.N. Deringer, Inc.; Joseph H. Bartozzi, Esq., of O. F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., and Donald S. Holland, Esq., of Holland & Bonzagni, P.C. The cost is $50, which includes a buffet luncheon. For more information, call (413) 567-2076 or register online at www.hblaw.org.

Bright Nights Ball

Nov. 17: East Longmeadow-based Hasbro Games will be the sponsor of the 2007 City of Bright Nights Ball, which will take on a Monopoly® theme. The event, the major fundraiser for the Spririt of Springfield, which puts on the annual holiday display in Forest Park known as Bright Nights, will take place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner, dancing and the opportunity to win and purchase some fabulous items. Guests will be able to purchase Monopoly deeds, everything from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk, and redeem them for prizes. Bidding on five showcase items will begin on-line in early November and be completed the evening of the gala. Other premium items will be sold in an on-line auction. Auction items will be announced at a later date. In addition to Hasbro Games, the City of Bright Nights Ball is being supported by Bay State Health, Health New England, MassMutual Financial Group, and Sheraton Springfield. Tickets to the 12th annual City of Bright Nights Ball are $500 per couple. Tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.

By
Departments

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

Archambault, Ray Thomas
Archambault, Heather J.
456 South St.
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Bergeron, Lawrence M.
29 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Bilodeau, Jennifer L.
5 Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Brodeur, Todd L.
43 Thompson St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Browning, Ronald J.
436 Corey St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/01/07

Bushior-Charette, Janet B.
Bushior, Janet B.
a/k/a Charette, Janet B.
74 Meredith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Butterfoss, Kim
27 Temple St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Cady, David P.
Cady, Susan M.
159 West Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/07/07

Christian, Walter
Christian, Lynda
34 Bristol St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/02/07

Chylinski, Mark L.
Chylinski, Terry V.
100 Clydesdale Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/06/07

Cox, Judy
64 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Crenshaw, Andrew M.
73 Barrett St., #1032
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/06/07

Crichton, Rhoan Patrick
Hall-Crichton, Tamika Monique
16 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/08/07

Crockwell, John P.
P.O. Box 108
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/03/07

Crockwell, Melanie A.
a/k/a Avanzato, Melanie A.
15 Atlantic Ave., 2nd F
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/03/07

Croft, Brain S.
520 Southbridge Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/05/07

Daniels, Charles Sidney
24 North Washington St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Delvalle, Lydia
396-398 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Deshais, Leonard
Deshais, Wendy
3 Betty Jean Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/01/07

Dewitt, Nelson J.
96 Pomeroy Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/13/07

Dowers, Lisa A.
45 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/06/07

Dowland, Richard Lee
Dowland, Barbara M.
81 Felix St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/12/07

Felix, John Paul
70 Franklin St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/02/07

Franco, Federico C.
17 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/03/07

Gaylord, Edward H.
137 High St., Apt. 108M
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/01/07

Grant, Roger M.
14 Crystal Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/01/07

Heath, Joseph D.
47 Country Club Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/05/07

Hornberger, John
Hornberger, Jennifer
216 Podunk Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/10/07

James, Robert T.
James, Kimberly L.
42 Hunt St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Jasienski, Gregory
Jasienski, Lynn A.
a/k/a Dube, Lynn A.
48 California Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/31/07

Jason, Maurice A.
500 Cold Spring Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/31/07

Joseph, Tarsha M.
15 Burton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/01/07

  

Kleszczynski, David C.
160 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/07/07

Lakota, Ronald A.
Lakota, Amber E.
a/k/a Masse, Amber E.
PO BOX 1106
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/09/07

Langlais, William D.
342 Southwick Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/10/07

LaRochelle, Thomas A.
99 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 07/31/07

Larochelle, Todd M.
Larochelle, Ann
25 East St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Mazur, Tiffany Jean
24 Dartmouth St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/31/07

Medas, Richard Lee
7 Tolpa Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Miner, Stacey Kimball
a/k/a Harden, Stacey
649 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Morris, Doris B.
Haywood, Doris B.
58 Itendale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/03/07

Moulton, Peter M.
Moulton, Laurie J.
98 Johnson St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/02/07

Moya, Jose M.
Moya, Yosef
a/k/a Moya, Mindy
a/k/a Moya, Yossi
a/k/a Moya, Melanie A.
a/k/a Zaklikowsky, Melanie
11 Winter St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/06/07

Music Men, Inc.
Bonito, Anthony J.
Bonito, Katherine E.
179 Saffron Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/13/07

Powers, Michael F.
Powers, Audrey R.
a/k/a Little, Audrey R.
135 Saint Kolbe Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/14/07

R P Contracting
Pierce, Richard E.
Anthony-Pierce, Kathleen M.
631 Old Dana Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 07/31/07

Ramos, Iluminada
70 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Sanchez, Florentino
33 Lansing Place
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Sanchez, Mildred
30 Quebec St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Schempp, Fred A.
3 Fowler St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/13/07

Smith, Joyce Anne
8 Squire Lane
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/12/07

St. Martin, Scott A.
127 College Highway
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/14/07

Tatro, John Edward
23 Elm St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Teixeira, Placido
1224-1226 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Thibeault, Marc C.
Thibeault, Dale R.
18 Parker St., Apt. 2
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/02/07

Velez, Carmen
222 Parker St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/10/07

Wandrei, Rita A.
4 Columbia St., Apt. 14
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/02/07

Ward, Darleen Joy
PO Box 89
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/15/07

Watts, Nancy M.
31 Pascal Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/08/07

Webber, Stephen P.
30 Maple St.
Paxton, MA 01612
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/07/07

Zielonka, Dennis C.
805 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/02/07

By
Departments

Petitions to Foreclose Continue Rise

BOSTON — Petitions to foreclose and auction announcements in Massachusetts rose again in July, the 18th month in a row that announcements have risen compared to year-before numbers, according to The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. There were 2,185 petitions to foreclose filed in Massachusetts Land Court in July, up 66.5% from the 1,312 filed in July 2006. During the first seven months of 2007, 15,130 petitions have been filed, an increase of 66.5% compared to the 9,089 filed at the same time last year. Auction announcements rose 130.2%, from 490 in July 2006 to 1,128 in July 2007. Year-to-date announcements are up 165% from 3,287 during the first seven months of 2006 to 8,711 this year. Petitions to foreclose are the first step in the foreclosure process, and do not always end up in actual foreclosure. Some homeowners eventually sell their homes or refinance.

Enterprise Fund Distributes Loans

GREENFIELD — The Western Mass. Enterprise Fund (WMEF) recently provided loans to the Media Education Foundation Inc. of Northampton and Truck Crane Services Inc. of Westfield. The Media Education Foundation received a loan as part of a refinancing package that included tax-exempt bond financing through Florence Savings Bank. The local organization is a nationally known nonprofit that produces and distributes educational programs and films encouraging people to examine the impact of media on our culture. WMEF also partnered with United Bank to provide a refinancing package that included an infusion of working capital to Truck Crane Services Inc. The company is a locally owned family business and provides demolition, site remediation, excavation, and hauling services. For more information on WMEF programs, visit www.wmef.org.

Businesses Participate In Coats for Kids Project

SPRINGFIELD — This winter, 10,000 children will not go cold in the Pioneer Valley, if sponsors Berkshire Bank and Belmont Laundry, as well as many other area businesses, get their way. The Salvation Army’s “Coats for Kids” initiative is back, and their goal is larger than ever. Along with media sponsors 94.7 WMAS Radio and CBS 3 Springfield, many local companies have teamed up in a mission to help kids stay warm this upcoming winter season. For more information on locations to drop off coats, visit www.marketmentors.net.

Women-owned Businesses ‘Fact Card’ Updated

WASHINGTON — The most widely distributed source of facts on women-owned businesses was recently released by the Center for Women’s Business Research. The pocket-sized fold-out contains the top-line findings from current research by the Center and is expanded this year to also include facts from related research. Key Facts About Women-Owned Businesses — 2007 Update, is underwritten by the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual), based in Springfield, Mass. To obtain copies of the fact card, email [email protected] or call Christopher Clark at (202) 638-3060, ext. 718. The cost is $70 per packet of 100.

United Way Designates $260,000 Toward Community Impact Funding

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley’s Community Impact Committee recently awarded three local agencies with funding totaling $260,000. The allotment was awarded separately from the United Way of Pioneer Valley’s traditional allocation process in which funds are distributed to eligible agencies based on private citizen panel recommendations. The committee identified two primary community impact areas, “promoting successful children and youth” and “promoting strong and sustainable communities,” in choosing its award recipients. Agencies receiving funding were Enlace De Familias de Holyoke for its “One Family At A Time,” program, which assists 454 children and their families in crisis intervention and case management, HAP Inc., for its working capital fund to support and expand its neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing development activities, and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts for its “Target: Hunger Springfield” program.

Economic Outlook Has Darkened

WASHINGTON — The revised second quarter GDP figures show an economy swinging up in that quarter, ahead of the financial turbulence that erupted in August, according to economists at Global Insight. Economists note the outlook has shifted slightly in the light of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, housing declines and sluggish consumer spending growth. The 4.0% growth rate in the second quarter followed just a 0.6% growth rate in the first. Economists note it is likely that the second-quarter figures overstated the economy’s momentum, while the first quarter figures understated it, so the average rate for the first half of the year (2.3%) better captures the underlying momentum. In the third quarter, the economy is expected to maintain a similar pace to the first half – in the 2% to 3% range – but the outlook is darkening for the fourth quarter and beyond. The tightening mortgage market will send housing construction down further, while tighter credit conditions and falling house prices will restrain consumer spending.

By
Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. These are strictly allegations and 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 individual claims.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Arnoldo Costa & Antonio Raimondo v. AN Construction Services Inc.
Allegation: Recovery of unpaid wages: $20,000

Evans, Mechwart, Hambleto, Tilton v. Miller Development Enterprise Inc.
Allegation: Recovery of unpaid wages: $19,780.12

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Giffin v. Charlene Manor Nursing Company, LLC
Allegation: Personal injury: $56,000

Nancy Ducat v. Bernardston Cemetery Corporation
Allegation: Negligence: $40,000

Thomas Sogard v. Echo Industries, Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $17,420

Uwins Trade Company v. Montague Energy Group, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and wrongful termination of lease: $100,000

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

WEWS Television v. Hallmark Institute of Photography
Allegation: Nonpayment of television advertising services: $2,925

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

The Vine Group Inc. v. JRL Enterprises
Allegation: Breach of contract: $32,500

Prima North America v. Spartan Aerospace LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract: $50,000

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Mara Lamb v. Keith Mortman, M.D.
Allegation: Malpractice during surgery: $49,480

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Dorothy DeJesus v. Mass Northampton Limited Partnership
Allegation: Negligence causing injury: $7,187.50

Ungerman Electric Inc. v. 5K Mortgage Corporation
Allegation: Recovery for unpaid services: $14,670.35

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Johnny Dickerson v. The Commerce Insurance Company
Allegation: Breach of contract: $3,357

New England Industrial Uniform Rental Services v. Olympic Manufacturing Group, Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $24,529

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Donna M. Veith v. Classic Conservatories Corporation
Allegation: Damages due to negligence: $2,715

Leo C. Bolduc v. Lou’s Fuel
Allegation: Services not rendered: $380

O’Connell Oil Associates of Northampton v. Five Star Transportation Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for goods and services rendered: $1,686.18

Southwick Electric Inc. v. Luigi’s Auto Body & Sales, Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $680.40

William S. Ashby d/b/a Penfield Production v. Warren James d/b/a Accurate Signs & Painting
Allegation: Breach of contract: $950

OPINION

By
Opinion
At the United Way, Community Matters

It’s called the Day of Caring, and the name says it all.

The program was started in 1994 by the United Way of Pioneer Valley to involve area businesses and their employees in initiatives that would benefit the community and those who live, work, and play here in Western Mass. It started small, with only 12 companies and fewer than 80 employees. On Sept. 7, 1,700 employees representing 48 companies completed 209 projects in the latest Day of Caring.

Most of these projects were small in nature — spreading mulch in playgrounds, cleaning graffiti from park equipment, sweeping up litter, fixing bicycles, painting fences, for example — but together, they made a difference in the quality of life for many people.

This, in a broader sense, is how the United Way of Pioneer Valley works. It coordinates a number of programs and partners with dozens of area agencies and service providers to make a difference in the lives of more than 100,000 area residents, and make the Pioneer Valley an attractive place in which to live and work.

The United Way of Pioneer Valley plays a unique leadership role. It identifies specific community issues, coordinates the necessary resources to address those needs, and then follows up to measure the results of its funded programs.

The United Way and its board of directors are doing things in new ways — being conveners, enablers, and facilitators, all to address our community’s ongoing and ever-changing needs. The United Way strives to be proactive, not reactive, and to address needs before they become a crisis. It approaches old problems in new ways — its food and shelter programs do not just provide hot meals for the homeless, but encourage services that also provide a welcoming and safe haven, teach job skills, provide vocational training, help arrange job placement, as well as coordinate child care and transportation needs.

Other supported programs focus on areas dealing with children and young adults, the elderly, families, and health and wellness.

Many people think the United Way benefits and serves others, but not them or their families; they’re wrong. By connecting community resources to community needs, the United Way helps make the Pioneer Valley the type of place where you, your family, your employees, and your co-workers will want to live and thrive. Its involvement and impact on quality of life in the region makes it easier to recruit and retain good employees, and to increase your own property values.

It makes our community a place where our children will want to live and raise their own families, rather then heading to someplace where they believe the grass is greener.

As the Day of Caring shows, when people work together, they can make a difference — and at the United Way, we prove this 365 days a year. As this year’s United Way campaign kicks off, I see another opportunity for the people of this region to show what they can do — together.

They can show that community matters and that the United Way is a worthy investment for us and our community.

None of us can predict what personal problem or natural disaster will face us, our neighbors, and co-workers, but we can rest assured knowing the United Way and its affiliated agencies will be there with solutions when situations arise, funding the human services needs of the Pioneer Valley with integrity and innovation. For all of these reasons, I ask that you give generously and support the United Way campaign this year.

For less than the price of a cup of coffee each week, you can make a meaningful impact. Do it for your community, and do it for yourself.

Michael B. Katz, Esq. is the chairman of the 2007-2008 United Way Campaign. He is a partner at the regional law firm of Bacon & Wilson, P.C.

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of September 2007.

AGAWAM

Agawam Professional Business Services
36 Ellison Ave.
Jacqueline Nascimbeni

Carrie Egerton, LICSW
1325 Springfield St.
Carrie Egerton

Chestnut Property Valuation
499 Springfield St.
Michael Nicoria

New England Center for Marriage
335 Walnut St.
Gloria L. Stewart

AMHERST

Redbird Crafts
20 Mt. Holyoke Dr.
Emily Newburger

Shaolin Kung Fu of Amherst
100 University Dr.
Ryan Budny

Stay Put
63 Pokeberry Ridge
Sara S. Wolff

CHICOPEE

Arrehephoria
24 Simard Dr.
JoAnna Hughes

Century 21 Hometown Associates
957 Front St.
Steven Rovithis

Great China Restaurant
690 Grattan St.
Mun Ying Cheng

Salon Bocage
44 Walnut St.
Francine Mary Tadeo

EASTHAMPTON

M & R Concrete
One Loomis Way
Ranson Purinton

RB Rentals
181 Northampton St.
Richard R. Boyle

EAST LONGMEADOW

All For You Agency
469 Prospect St.
Galina Gertsezen

Go Graphix
436 North Main St.
James White

White Stone Marketing Group
436 North Main St.
James White

GREENFIELD

Carsense Transportation
14 Smith St.
Peter Silva

Leon’s Auto Repair
155 Main St.
Daniel Leonovich

Niedbala & Winsecki Construction
89 Haywood St.
Brian G. Niedbala

HADLEY

Carey Farm
188 River Dr.
Sarah & Cameron Carey

HOLYOKE

3 Bothers Auto Sales & Repair
522 Maple St.
Elisandro S. Cuevas

Atlas Chiropractic
1353 Dwight St.
James W. McCann

CPI Images, LLC
Whitney Road
Dave Heinz

New England Fish-N-Chips
530 High St.
Steve Masse

Peerless Auto Sales
604 Main St.
Richard Ryll

Rodriguez Auto Detailing
6 Adams St.
Julio A. Cruz

Sports Zone
50 Holyoke St.
James Dent

LONGMEADOW

Custom Courier
60 Williston Dr.
Anthony Ricco

Grapevine Pizzeria and Restaurant
753 Maple St.
George Kollias

Natural Nails by Yelena
17 Pioneer Dr.
Yelena Kofman

Weiss Consulting
704 Shaker Road
Anne Weiss

LUDLOW

Spa East
154 East St.
Michelle Kirnicki

NORTHAMPTON

Continuous Creations
123 Hawley St.
Cheryl Coltman

Dandie in the Underworld
7 Old South St.
Rosa Guerra

Dragon Fire Printing
140 Pine St.
Denise Badger

Robinson Real Estate
4 Conz St.
Steven Slezek

PALMER

Premier Theatre & Audio
17 Hobbs St.
John D. Perry

Proper Ink Tattoo
3033 Main St.
Philip Olivera

R. D. Enterprises
62 Commercial St.
Roland Dimato

Stevann Enterprises
27 Bowden St.
Steven Runnels

The Masters Touch
1405 Main St.
Giuseppe Marinesi

The New England Relocation Group
1581 North Main St.
David M. Bricker

SOUTH HADLEY

Headup Entertainment Corporation
25 Fulton St.
Andrew Bilach

Insurance and Financial Associates
95 Granby Road
Luke Gelinas

Taylor’s Scrapbooking Tools
8 Oakwood Circle
Scott Taylor


  

The Web Addition Group
18 North Main St.
Corey Harris

SOUTHWICK

Darling’s Energy Service
151 Vining Hill Road
Charles Frank Darling

Paws are Us
610 College Highway
Deborah Ritchie

CA & J’s Limousine Service
12 Gargon Terrace
Anthony J. Spririto

SPRINGFIELD

Admark Transportation
786 Newberry St.
Rene Romero

Alley Graphics 2
170 Boston Road
Iasia Equina Rochells

Alto Café Inc
301 Bridge St.
Alan Curtis

Apollo Panting and Home Improvement
290 Sumner Avenue
Aric John Pennington

Black Starline Express
119 Lucerne Road
Tobias Lowe

C & M Concrete
27 Continental St.
Steven W. Miller

Collins Construction
66 Undine Circle
John Charles Collins

Dance Rhiaction
340 Main St.
Rhiannon J. Gresty

DKY Web Design
212 Pearl St.
Dae K Yi

Ed’s Truck Service
3 Leete St.
Eduardo Sanchez

Ernesto’s Home Repair
100 Northampton Ave.
Juan Ernesto Zavala

Filter Tech Hood Cleaners
192 Albemarle St.
Robert C. Foster

First Laundromat
496 Page Boulevard
Taesun Kim

G-Spot Fashion
290 Locust St.
Ismael A. Figueroa

Ghetto Fabalous II
604 Page Boulevard
Ana I. Barbour

Girl Under Glass
19 Emmet St.
Andrzej Lipski

Hungry Hill Cuts
737 Liberty St.
Samuel Figueroa

Johnny Mac Liquors
1949 Wilbraham Road
John J. McCarthy

KC Associates
2594 Main St.
Anthony D. Motyl

Kevin’s Chore Service
1952 Page Boulevard
Kevin Laramie

Kool Smiles, PC
1070 St. James Ave.
Dr. Tu Tran

L.A. Fitness
1150 West Columbus Ave.
L.A. Fitness

M&D Auto Repair
8 Handing St.
Martin Morales

Malanson Landscaping
27 Chilson St.
Joseph Paul Malanson

Master’s Hair Salon
887 Sumner Ave.
Janet Disco

WESTFIELD

ADNAP
415 Pochassic Road
Terry Anne Austin

Beauty Control
10 Carpenter Ave.
Jennifer Lee

D&S Motor Sales
112 First St.
Francis J. Boissonnealt Jr.

Fine Designs
479 Montgomery Road
Orina Podolyanchuk

Glas-Master Windshield Repair
24 Murray Ave.
Michael Harris

Mike Bematchez Painting
30 Valley View Dr.
Mike Bematchez

Mindanao Fashion Imports
71 Steiger Dr.
Sean M. Fitzergerald

Tea Pot Gallery, LLC
184 Gun Club Road
Suzanne A. Tracy

The Country Clipper
9C Russell Road
Sara Noska

The Gavel Grille
243 Elm St.
Kevin Peck

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Adults Only
2025 Riverdale St.
Steve Alban

Avenue #511
935 Riverdale St.
United Retail Inc.

Market Mentors, LLC
181 Park Ave.
Michelle Abdow

Rainbow Nursery School
42 Sheridan Ave.
Marianne Frances Moran

Salon Blue
470 Westfield St.
Shaun Drugan

Sibley Lawn Care
101 Sibley Ave.
John Alexander Crocker

Suburban Painting
34 Eldridge Ave.
Ralph Figueroa

The Crest Room
706 Westfield St.
Sad-Fast Inc.

West Side Dance Center
380 Union St.
Karen Anne McMahon

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

Bronze Stone Inc., 11 Randall St., Agawam 01001. E. David Smith, same. E-commerce.

Clinical Research Management Global Services Inc., 1408 Main St., Agawam 01001. Stephen R. Cincotta, same. A pharmaceutical consulting and research firm, etc.

AMHERST

College Discount Oil Company Inc., 60 Shumway St., Amherst 01002. Bruce D. Montague, 465 Warren Wright Road, Belchertown 01007. Provide oil delivery, related services.

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Medical Supply Company Inc., 920 Front St., Chicopee 01020. Carolyn Lamothe, 7 Browne Road, Shrewsbury 01545. To own and operate a medical supply company.

Ink Products Corp., 25 Grove St., Chicopee 01020. Thomas E. Guertin, 1199 St. James Ave., Springfield 01104. Helping clients select and order office stationery supplies.

SIGNS Paranormal Research Organization Inc., 32 Rimmon Ave., Chicopee 01013. Jason Biller, same. (Nonprofit) To pursue the investigation of paranormal activities, history and folklore based on research, scientific principles, etc.

HOLYOKE

Baskets and Broken Bread Inc., 372 Maple St., 4R, Holyoke 01040. Kathleen Wilkinson, same. (Nonprofit) The enrichment and empowerment of inner city residents for a more meaningful and fulfilling way of life, etc.

JDE Corp., 67 Brown Ave., Holyoke 01040. Digna N. Almonte, same. Retail convenience store, including wine and beer.

HUNTINGTON

Mass 1to1 Inc., 12 Littleville Road, Huntington 01050. David B. Hopson, 55 Woronoco Road, Blandford 01008. (Nonprofit) To promote the distribution and implementation of a sustainable one to one laptop computer program among K-12 public and private schools.

LONGMEADOW

Hirsch Enterprises Inc., 106 Inverness Lane, Longmeadow 01106. Jeffrey Allan Hirsch, same. Wholesale and retail sales.

NORTHAMPTON

Hybrid Vigor Music Inc., 70 Washington Ave., Northampton 01060. Patricia McDonagh, same. (Nonprofit) To develop and proliferate new musical works, bring innovative ideas to existing and new arts, community groups, etc.


  

SOUTH HADLEY

Bharti Hospitality Corp., 24 Kimberly Dr., South Hadley 01075. Niranjan Vyas, same. Hotel/motel business.

Colonel Woodbridge’s Tavern Inc., 3 Hadley St., South Hadley 01075. Michael Andrews, 27 Morgan Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492. Michael Andrews, 3 Hadley St., South Hadley 01075, registered agent. Restaurant/tavern.

SPRINGFIELD

Car Credit 1st Inc., 603 Sumner Ave., Springfield 01108. Alex J. Friedman, 155 Longhill St., Springfield 01108. Auto sales. finance, etc.

Galeas Chiropractic, P.C., 939 Main St., Springfield 01103. James Galeas, same. Chiropratic practice.

Springfield 10 Point Coalition Inc., 39 Oakland St., Springfield 01108. Kateri Walsh, 42 Magnolia Terr., Springfield 01108. (Nonprofit) To mobilize the region’s faith-centered communities to address the causes and remedies of youth violence, substance abuse, gang activity, etc.

T-N-T’s Restaurant Inc., 46 Spear Road, Springfield 01119. Timothy Robert Ruel, same. Restaurant.

The Springfield Domestic Violence Center Inc., 240 Jeffrey Road, Springfield 01119. Nawane T. Holloway, same. (Nonprofit) To provide direct financial assistance and referral services to women, childrn and persons affected by domestic violence in Hampden and Suffolk counties, etc.

Universal Marketing Solutions Inc., 934 Main St., Springfield 01105. Carmano Bonavita, same. Marketing company.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Another Chance for Homeless Cats Inc., 92 Bear Hole Road, West Springfield 01089. Virginia Danforth, same. (Nonprofit) To alleviate the distress and suffering of cats or kittens, especially stray, unwanted or homeless, etc.

Massachusetts Hockey 2008 Sledge Hockey Organizing Committee Inc., 20 Gregory Lane, West Springfield 01089. Allen T. Wright, same. (Nonprofit) To promote the common interests of the sport of Sledge Hockey for disabled persons, be the local organizing committee for the 2008 Sledge Hockey World Championships, etc.

Victory Community Development Corp., 521 Union St., West Springfield 01089. Tanya Daniels, 161 Hancock St., Springfield 01129. (Nonprofit) To work to prevent community deterioration, juvenile delinquency, neighborhood tension, etc.

Westside Chiropractic, P.C., 425 Union St., West Springfield 01089. Francesco N. Crivelli, D.C, 895 So. Branch Pkwy., Springfield 01118. Profession of chiropractic.

By
Departments

The Springfield Group of Northwestern Mutual Financial announced the following:
• Gary E. Pemble has joined the organization as a Financial Representative;
• Andre S. Casimiro has joined the organization as a Financial Representative, and
• Michael J. Gexler has joined the organization as a Financial Representative.

•••••


Carlo Centeno Jr.

Carolino (Carlo) A. Centeno Jr. has been appointed Vice President of Marketing at D. J. St. Germain Investment Management in Springfield.

•••••

Bernard F. Travers, III and Scott A. Betsher were recently named Shareholders of Aaron Smith, PC in East Longmeadow.

•••••

Craig Tracy has joined Gomes, Bramucci & Co. P.C. of Ludlow as a Partner. Tracy specializes in tax and business planning needs of small to medium-size businesses and also has extensive experience in not-for-profit organizations.

•••••

John J. Furman, P.E., has been hired to lead the Springfield office of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.. His responsibilities will include leading the Springfield office’s integrated transportation, land development, and environmental services team.

•••••

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced the following:
• Debra A. Palermino has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Corporate Human Resources. Her responsibilities include oversight of recruitment, business consulting, employee benefits, compensation, succession planning and talent development, and change management, and
• Isadore Jermyn, Senior Vice President, has been named Chief Actuary. In that role, Jermyn has enterprise-wide oversight of actuarial reviews, monitoring and compliance matters related to product reserves, product pricing and illustrations, legally required actuarial opinions, and other actuarial activities. He is also responsible for MassMutual’s actuarial team, recommends and develops the company’s annual policyholder dividend schedule, and serves as MassMutual’s primary rating agency liaison.

•••••

Valerie L. Petit has been named Human Resources and Affirmative Action Officer at Florence Savings Bank.

•••••

Paul Leclerc, President of Leclerc Brothers Inc., has been named President of the Home Builders Association of Western Mass.

•••••

Architect Jeremy Toal, AIA, NCARB, has earned his LEED accreditation. Toal is employed at Dietz & Company Architects in Springfield.

•••••

Brian Darnold has joined the civil engineering team at The Berkshire Design Group of Northampton. He previously worked as an engineering intern with the firm.

•••••


Douglas Greer

Douglas Greer has been named Director of New Leadership Charter School in Springfield.

•••••

Todd Audyatis has been named Director of Development at Westfield State College.

•••••

The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington announced the following:
• Beryl Jolly has been named Executive Director, and
• Karin Watkins has been named General Manager.

•••••

James P. Van Dyke has been promoted to Vice President of Environmental Sustainability at Jiminy Peak in Hancock.

•••••

Seder Foods Corp. in Palmer announced the following appointments:
• Tom Ferraro will be responsible for Boston market sales;
• James Rick will cover the Interstates 91 and 84 corridor business for the company, and
• Michael Williams will be responsible for all aspects of warehousing and transportation.

•••••

Marlina Duncan has been named Director of the American International College Core Education Program at American International College in Springfield.

•••••

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts announced the following:
• Gerard Donnelly has joined the English/Communications Department as an Assistant Professor;
• Anne Goodwin has joined the Biology Department as an Assistant Professor;
• April Horstman Reser has joined the Psychology Department as an Assistant Professor;
• Christine Lozano has joined the Education Department as an Assistant Professor;
• Emilia Sciarra-Laos has joined the Modern Languages Department as a Spanish instructor;
• Elena Traister returns to the Biology Department as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies;
• Gerol Petruzella has joined the Philosophy Department as a visiting lecturer, and
• Rebecca Stone will be a visiting lecturer in the Biology Department.

By
Departments

A Day of Caring

The United Way of the Pioneer Valley staged its 14th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 7. Hosted by Peter and Melissa Picknelly, the event included more than 1,700 employees, representing 48 companies, who completed 209 projects in several area communities.


As part of a project for the Margaret Ells Elementary School in Springfield, volunteers from Baystate Health System participated in landscaping of the school grounds and painted a map on the playground.


Volunteers from MassMutual Financial Group, Baystate Health, and Hamilton Sundstrand participated in a project to benefit Child and Family Services. Activities included maintaining and repairing adaptive sports equipment (Hamilton volunteers) and cleaning a storage unit (Mass Mutual and Baystate Health).


Volunteers from Sisters of Providence Health System, The Junior League of Greater Springfield Inc., Westfield Bank, Mass Mutual Financial Group, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. participated in activities to benefit Springfield Day Nursery, such as spending time with and reading to the children, cleaning the closets and playgrounds of the nursery, painting, and washing the nursery’s vehicles.


As part of a project for the Whispering Hose Therapeutic Riding Center in East Longmeadow, volunteers from Health New England, and Monarch Life Insurance Co. participated in projects such as painting a barn and fences, and cleaning their pasture.

Habitat Happenings

Employees of the Springfield-based law firm Cooley Shrair, P.C. volunteered their time recently to assist in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home on the corner of Chester and Central streets in Springfield. “Cooley Shrair was proud to join the efforts of Habitat for Humanity,” said David Shrair, managing partner of the firm. “It’s part of our ongoing commitment to invest in and help revitalize the city.” The local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is currently working on three homes, with five planned for completion in 2008.


Left to right, attorneys Dawn McDonald, Peter Shrair, David Shrair, and Candace Goodreau, and Denise Bryan-Dukette of Sovereign Bank work with Habitat for Humanity construction manager Dave Letellier.


Heather Hammon, Dawn McDonald, and Ryanne Nixon of Cooley Shrair work with Walter Valentine of Kleer Lumber of Westfield and Dave Letellier of Habitat.


David Shrair pulls nails with Walter Valentine of Kleer Lumber.


Attorneys Diana Sorrentini-Velez and Ryanne Nixon complete a project together.

Springfield Must Be Vigilant in the Fight Against Fear

By
Opinion

Springfield Police Commissioner Ed Flynn believes his department is winning the war against violent crime — or at least several key battles. The latest statistics, which show pronounced declines in such categories as rape, aggravated assault, and motor vehicle theft, would seem to bear this out.

But there is another fight his department is waging where the gains, which are impossible to accurately measure, are apparently less-pronounced. This would the fight against fear, which, as anyone in the business community knows, must be won, and decisively.

That’s because, in the larger scheme of things, while the law-abiding people who live, work, and play in Springfield are seemingly safe, at least in the commissioner’s estimation, many do not feel safe. And as long as that perception holds, this city will never enjoy the full economic recovery everyone is anxiously awaiting.

In a comprehensive profile of Flynn in this issue of BusinessWest, Springfield’s first police commissioner talked at length about fear and how it is impossible to understate the importance of controlling it when it comes to the economic health and vitality of not only this city but the region surrounding it.

If people are afraid to come to a community, then businesses across every sector will suffer to one degree or another. This is why public safety is at or near the top of every list of priorities for those involved with economic development.

But a community cannot will people to feel safe, and all the statistics in the world won’t get that job done, either. People will feel safe when they are convinced that they are. Such convincing will come only through one’s experiences, not from crime stat reports or press conferences.

And there has been progress made in this realm of experiences — one can see it in the city’s downtown. Those who have worked there for some time can, or should, notice a decline in the number of panholders and homeless people on the streets. Why? Because the police department has made such issues a priority in recent months, and the city has succeeded in moving many of the services created for such individuals, such as the homeless shelter that previously existed in the York Street Jail, out of the larger downtown area.

While some individuals who work on behalf of constituencies such as the homeless regarded the city’s actions as somewhat cruel and unnecessary, they were very necessary steps when one considers the general good of the business community and the city as a whole. Yes, the homeless have needs, and panhandlers are people, too. But the rights and wants of these individuals must be addressed in a thoughtful, intelligent manner that doesn’t jeopardize the community’s overall economic health and well-being. This is basic common sense.

There are still some homeless people to be seen downtown, and there are still panhandlers trolling for loose change. But we think it’s fair to say that most who work in downtown should feel better about walking down Main Street and State Street and should feel safe or at least safer.

Whether they do or not is another story, especially when area media outlets are still playing up violent crimes committed anywhere in the Valley, and especially in Springfield.

The bottom line is that Flynn, his department, and officials in City Hall and the Finance Control Board offices must continue to be vigilant in the fight against fear. There is simply too much at stake for the city and the region.

OPINION

By
Opinion
The Arts Mean Business

Every day, the nearly 100,000 nonprofit arts and culture organizations that populate the nation’s cities and towns are making their communities more desirable places to live and work. They provide inspiration and enjoyment to residents, beautify shared public places, and strengthen the social fabric. New research by Americans for the Arts provides further evidence that the nonprofit arts and culture industry is an economic driver in those communities — a growth industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism.

Arts & Economic Prosperity III, the largest study of its kind ever conducted, shows that, nationally, the nonprofit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity annually, a 24% increase over just the past five years. The economic benefits of this spending are significant. It supports 5.7 million full-time U.S. jobs, an increase of 850,000 jobs since the 2002 study. Furthermore, because arts and culture organizations are locally based, employing locally, purchasing locally, and generating local spending, these are jobs that necessarily remain local and are unlikely to be outsourced.

The industry also generates nearly $30 billion in revenue to local, state, and federal governments every year. By comparison, the three levels of government collectively spend less than $4 billion annually to support arts and culture — a remarkable 7:1 return on investment.

Arts & Economic Prosperity III features findings from 156 study regions (116 cities and counties, 35 multicounty regions, and 5 statewide studies). Data was collected from 6,080 nonprofit arts and culture organizations and 94,478 of their attendees across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The study uses four economic measures to define economic impact: employment, resident household income, and revenue generated to state and local governments. The study focuses solely on nonprofit organizations and their audiences. It does not include individual artists for the for-profit and entertainment sector. As a result, it is extremely conservative in how it measures the economic impact of the arts.

Nonprofit arts and culture organizations are active contributors to their business community. They are employers, producers, consumers, and members of the chamber of commerce as well as key partners in the marketing and promotion of their cities and regions. In 2005, their estimated total spending was $63.1 billion. This output supports 2.6 million U.S. jobs, provides $57.3 billion in household income, and generates $13.2 billion in total government revenue.

Arts and culture, unlike most industries, leverages a significant amount of event-related spending by its audiences. For example, when patrons attend an arts event, they may pay to park their car in a garage, purchase dinner at a restaurant, eat dessert after the show, and return home to pay the babysitter. This generates related commerce for local businesses such as restaurants, parking garages, hotels, and retail stores. Total event-related spending by nonprofit arts and culture audiences was $103.1 billion in 2005. This spending supports 3.1 million full-time jobs in the U.S., provides $46.9 billion in household income, and generates $16.4 billion in government revenue.

In addition to spending data, researchers asked each of the 94,478 survey respondents to provide their home zip codes. This enabled an analysis of event-related spending by local and nonlocal attendees. Previous economic and tourism research has shown that non-local attendees spend more than their local counterparts do. This study reflects those findings. Nationally, 39% of the respondents were non-local — evidence that arts and culture is a magnet that will draw people to your community.

Arts & Economic Prosperity III is great news for those whose daily task is to strengthen the economy and enrich quality of life. It lays to rest a common misconception: that communities support arts and culture at the expense of local economic development. In fact, they are investing in an industry that supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism, and our local and national economies. This report shows what most of those in the know already understood — that the arts mean business.

Randy Cohen is vice president of Policy and Research for Americans for the Arts.

By
Departments

Grant-writing Workshop

Sept. 6: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast will present a free workshop titled ‘Writing a Successful Workforce Training Grant’ from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The program is designed for individuals who have never written a grant. To register or for more information, contact Sue Miller, Director of Training & Development, at (877) 662-6444, ext. 313, or visit www.eane.org. The Employers Association of the NorthEast is located at 67 Hunt St., Agawam.

Money Smart Program

Sept. 11-Oct. 9, Oct. 30-Nov. 27: The Holyoke Credit Union will once again offer its free award-winning financial education program titled Money Smart this fall. The course, which which covers a multitude of personal banking and finance subjects, will be conducted on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. for five consecutive weeks at the Holyoke Credit Union’s main branch at 490 Westfield Road, Holyoke. The program is free to the public, however, pre-registration is required. Registration may be made at any branch location or by calling (413) 532-7007.

Hispanic Marketing Workshop

Sept. 12: Hector Bauza, president of Bauza & Associates Hispanic Marketing will lead a workshop titled ‘How to Effectively Market to Hispanics’ from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hotel Northampton in Northampton. Bauza will discuss how to avoid pitfalls in marketing to Hispanics and what companies need to know to effectively market to this growing population. The program is part of the UMass Fine Arts Center Sponsor Summit which provides thought-provoking presentations on current trends and one-on-one networking. The summits are conducted bi-annually as an exclusive benefit for sponsors, business partners, and board members. For more information, call (413-545-3671) by Sept. 7.

Artist’s Reception

Sept. 14: Pioneer Valley artist Nancy Hill will exhibit her latest work titled “Sweet Things” at the R. Michelson Galleries, 132 Main St., Northampton, from Sept. 14-30. A reception for Hill is planned Sept. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. in conjunction with the Northampton Art Walk. Hill says her new paintings are closer to traditional still life with subjects of nature’s bounty and various sweet edibles of the culinary arts. For more information on the show, call (413) 586-3964.

Casino Debate

Sept. 18: Will Massachusetts roll the dice on casino gambling? What are the implications if it does or doesn’t? A provocative discussion on the topic with proponents, opponents, and experts is planned from 8:15 to 10 a.m. at the Omni Parker House Hotel, Press Room, in Boston, hosted by members of the Mass. Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC). Panel members will include state Rep. Dan Bosley (D-North Adams) and Richard McGowan of Boston College, author of Government and the Transformation of the Gaming Industry and The Gambling Debate, due out in November. For more information and to register, call (617) 742-6800, ext. 120.

Family Business Program

Sept. 20: Greg McCann, author of When Your Parents Sign Your Paycheck, will be the guest speaker at a dinner forum hosted by the UMass Family Business Center, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center. McCann works with family businesses in the areas of succession, communication, conflict resolution, gender issues, and development of the next generation. He will speak on what family business owners should be saying to the next generation about the company and their possible future with it — and when and how they should be saying it. To register, or for more information, contact Ira Bryck at (413) 545-1537; fax: (413) 545-3351.

Chamber Courses

Sept. 25/Oct. 2: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will sponsor two courses this fall to help businesses plan for both startup and growth. The first course, ‘Strategic Planning,’ will be conducted Sept. 25, while the second, ‘Business Plan Instruction,’ is planned Oct. 2, both from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Both courses will be held at the STCU office at 453 East Main St., Westfield (Westfield Shops Plaza), sponsors of the program. Norman Halls from the Holbrook Company will lead the courses. When individuals complete the course, free counseling will be available from the UMass Small Business Development Center. The cost for both programs is $35 per person for any Chamber of Commerce member or $50 for nonmembers. For reservations and more information, contact Lynn Boscher at (413) 568-1618 or via E-mail at [email protected].

AIM Executive Forum

Sept. 28: The Associated Industries of Mass. Executive Forum will host Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi for a lively discussion of critical business issues facing the Legislature during the fourth quarter of 2007 at its breakfast and networking meeting. Registration, breakfast and networking begins at 8 a.m. at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Speaker DiMasi’s presentation starts at 8:30. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org.

Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame Dinner

Oct. 4: The Western Mass. Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2007 at its Eighth Annual Induction and Banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. The event, one of the region’s largest networking events, will start with a reception at 5:30 and dinner at 7. This year’s inductees are: the Bassett family (Bassett Boat Company); the Falcone family (Rocky’s Ace Hardware); Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss); the Gordenstein family (Broadway Office Interiors); Charles and Merriam Webster (Merriam-Webster Inc.); and the Roberts family (F.L. Roberts). Tickets are $150 per person; tables of 10, $1,500. For more information or to order tockets, call (413) 730-6157.

Bright Nights Ball

Nov. 17: East Longmeadow-based Hasbro Games will be the sponsor of the 2007 City of Bright Nights Ball, which will take on a Monopoly® theme. The event, the major fundraiser for the Spririt of Springfield, which puts on the annual holiday display in Forest Park known as Bright Nights, will take place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to win and purchase some fabulous items. Guests will be able to purchase Monopoly deeds, everything from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk, and redeem them for prizes. Bidding on five showcase items will begin on-line in early November and be completed the evening of the gala. Other premium items will be sold in an on-line auction. Auction items will be announced at a later date. In addition to Hasbro Games, the City of Bright Nights Ball is being supported by Bay State Health, Health New England, MassMutual Financial Group, and Sheraton Springfield. Tickets to the 12th annual City of Bright Nights Ball are $500 per couple. Tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.

By
Departments

Firm Launches New Web Site

WEST SPRINGFIELD — LiftTruck Parts and Service Inc. has launched a Web site – lifttruckmass.com – which it hopes will provide customers with an effortless resource for all of their material handling needs. In addition to the general information that is accessible online, customers can also view the full line of products that are available through the company. LiftTruck Parts and Service is a full-service material-handling company with a wide range of specialties including new and pre-owned fleet sales, service, parts, short- and long-term rentals, financing, and on-site maintenance.

Hogan Communications Marks 20th Year

EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Communications, specializing in the installation, service and sales of voice, data and Internet services, recently marked its 20th year of operation, according to co-owners Sean and Andrew Hogan. Hogan Communications started as a two-man operation in Holyoke in 1987, and today boasts 21 employees in its 15,000-square-foot headquarters in Easthampton.

WNEC in Top Tier of U.S. News and World Report Ranking

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England College is once again ranked in the top tier in its category in U.S. News and World Report’s 2008 America’s Best Colleges ranking. WNEC is in the top tier of the “North” category among colleges and universities that provide a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs. This is the fourth year in a row that WNEC has been ranked in the top tier. The college’s overall score this year improved two points from last year.

Smith & Wesson Wins N.H. Contract

SPRINGFIELD — Smith & Wesson Corp. recently received an order for 500 M&P45 pistols from the New Hampshire Department of Safety. The pistols will be used by the New Hampshire State Police and Highway Patrol divisions and will replace the Sig Sauer P220ST .45-caliber pistols made by Sigarms Inc., of Exter, N.H. The New Hampshire agency noted the pistol’s enhanced ergonomics, ease of maintenance and magazine disconnect safety as primary factors for purchasing the firearms.

Consolidated Health Plans Expansion To Create 30 Jobs

SPRINGFIELD — Consolidated Health Plans, Inc., headquartered on Stafford Street, recently contracted with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. of Ohio to administer three of its insurance products. Consolidated officials expect to create approximately 30 jobs in the city with the new arrangement, and has already added 12 employees to handle the additional workload. Consolidated, a preferred provider organization and third party administrator, works to reduce health care costs for employer’s health insurance plans and colleges’ student health and accident plans. Consolidated employees will begin handling the claims and administrative aspects of three Nationwide insurance products.

Factory Unveils New Name

CHICOPEE — During a recent unveiling ceremony, signage at Top-Flite’s Meadow Street plant now announces factory as Callaway Golf Ball Operations. More than four years ago, Callaway Golf Co. purchased Top-Flite, the golf business of the former Spalding Sports Worldwide. Callaway officials noted that the Top-Flite brand will remain, as its new D2 ball is proving a success in the marketplace. Approximately 700 people are employed at the factory which makes about 20 million dozen Top-Flite and Callaway branded golf balls annually.

MassMutual Offers New Whole Life Product

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) recently unveiled Whole Life Legacy 100(SM), a new whole life product that combines attractive traditional guarantees with new flexibility, such as the ability to increase or decrease coverage according to changing needs, and to customize the policy with riders. The product also addresses the needs of those consumers who want to provide a guaranteed legacy for family members, loved ones and favored organizations, and who desire the flexibility to alter their coverage as their circumstances and priorities change. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com/life.

Go FIT Receives Grant from Nisource/Bay State Gas

WESTBOROUGH — Go FIT Inc. of Greater Springfield is the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the NiSource Charitable Foundation. The foundation was established to provide funding to nonprofit organizations making a difference in the communities where NiSource companies operate or provide service. Bay State Gas Company, a NiSource company, serves 100,000 customers in its Western Mass. division anchored in Springfield. Go FIT programs provide a unique blend of services that promote health and general welfare by engaging economically underprivileged and underserved inner city youth and women in fitness activities. The grant funds helped Go FIT conduct a walking, running, and physical activity clinic at the Chicopee Boys and Girls Club during the summer.

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2007.

AGAWAM

A-Type/Spencer Stamp
418 Meadow F-11
Judith Neylor

Agawam Mini Market
703 Main St.
Asif Ali

Cavallon Construction
165 Leonard St.
Gregory V. Cavallon

Diane Lyons-Frasco Registered Electrologist
795 Main St.
Diane Lyons- Frasco

Estate Furnishing Outlet
1015 Mill St.
Joann Halpy

Ferrentino’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
7 South End Bridge Circle
Frank Ferrentino

Kopchak Property Management
1085 North St.
Fedor Songorov

Savmore Citgo
650 Suffield St.
Muhammad Intiag

AMHERST

Home Yoga
70 Eames Ave.
Kristin Leutz

K. Chulo Bags
85 Mt. Holyoke Dr.
Kaye E. Dougan

Mustard Seed Press
263 Northampton Road
Melanie D. Krumrey

CHICOPEE

GIG
417 Chicopee St.
Anna Dugan

Springfield Real Estate Sales & Services
97 Woodcrest Circle
Sheila E. Spring

EASTHAMPTON

Sullivan Consolidation Inc.
122 Pleasant St.
Robert M. Sullivan, Jr.

Venom Custom Automotive
2 Hill Ave.
Mike Moise

EAST LONGMEADOW

Mapleshade General Contractor
153 Vineland Ave.
Patrick Hellyer

GREENFIELD

Classic Kitchens & Bath
1173 Bernardston Road
Erica M. Smith

Rent A Center
278 Mohawk Trail
Barry Perkins

The Cleaning Gal
150 Elm St.
Kelli M. DoBosz

Valley Mart
4 Mill St.
Mohammad Yasin

HADLEY

Bottlenose
108 Russell St.
William Carr

HOLYOKE

B-Connect
1375 Dwight St.
Julio Monge

B & V Automotive
101 North Bridge St.
Robert S. Vogel

Cajun Café & Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Koang Cheu Yam

Extreme Auto Body
170 Main St.
Angel M. Narvaez

Fini’s Ice Cream
3 Fini Road
Diane M. Sutherland Fini

Hair Place
103 Chapin St.
Ronald E. Holland

Lyman Laundry
228 Lyman St.
Pan Chi Ping

Mereciana Market
773 Dwight St.
Juvencio Ponce

Paper City Cuts
444 Appleton St.
Jose M. Lopez

Podmore & Sons Home Improvements
30 Clinton Ave.
Brian Podmore

LONGMEADOW

American Society of Interior Designs
1158 Williams St.
Jacqueline Moini

CRC Services LLC
813 Williams St.
David M. Soja

Essentials
811 Williams St.
Clifford Feen

Nittoli Golf
400 Shaker Road
James Nittoli

LUDLOW

Classic Site Solutions
70 Margaret Lane
Cheryl Sady

R.C.S. Diesel Services Inc.
566 Holyoke St.
Ronald Chiasson

Michael’s Party Rentals
409A West St.
Michael Linton

NORTHAMPTON

China Wok Express
150 King St.
Waisan Chan

Continuous Creations
123 Hawley St.
Cheryl Coltman

Robinson Real Estate
4 Conz St.
Steven J. Slezek

Standard Design
254 Prospect St.
Thomas Joseph Pappalardo

PALMER

Griswold Corporation
1184 Park St.
Jeffrey Griswold

MCI Investigations
3044 Main St.
William E. McCarthy

Rising Tide Consulting
320 Flynt St.
Brian Kraft


  

Steer-Rite Inc.
1350 Park St.
Ronald Pisciotta

SOUTH HADLEY

South Hadley Publishing
18 Maria Dr.
Price Van Ray

Insurance and Financial Associates
95 Granby Road
Luke Gelinas

People’s Bank
494 Newton St.
Jeannine M. Pelchat

SOUTHWICK

Gigi’s Pizza
108 Congamond Road
Matthew Roberts

SPRINGFIELD

Main Source
164 Main St.
Josue Rivera

Martinez Towing
99 Milford St.
Agapito Martinez

MDG Transport
37 Collins St.
Michael D. Guidry

Meade’s Trucking
137 Lebannon St.
Garry Meade

Mobile Services 4 U 2
23 Ambrose St.
Arlene L. Hallums

Most Excellent Collectibles
752 Sumner Ave.
Jimmie C. Smith

McCaffrey’s
1171 Main St.
1171 Main St., LLC

P.J. Computers International
95 Maplewood Terrace
Paul J. Ehiwele

Professional Advantage
181 Buckingham St.
Cynthia L. Jones

Quax Caricatures
12 Mattoon St.
Quincy Brown

Rent To Own Auto
201 Berkshire Ave.
Kelly Rooney

Saint James Management
350 St. James Ave.
Michael J. Begley

St. James Custom Auto Body
503 St. James Ave.
Cory A. Taylor

Sullivan Consolidation
311 Industry Ave.
Robert M. Sullivan

TNT Roofing
323 St. James Ave.
Thomas Lynch

Tas Logistics
524B Main St.
John James Boucher

The Pioneer
723 Belmont Ave.
Stephon Ulysses

Tierra Nostra Handyman
137 Undine Circle
Alex Anderson Nieves

Underground Movie Network
141 Gresham St.
Greg Ellerbee

Unity World
106 Edendale St.
Dion Byrd

Valley Vogue Collections
34 Front St.
Susan S. Cagan

Victor’s Café
298 Belmont Ave.
Mei Yu Chen

Vietnam Import & Export
434 Belmont Ave.
Benjamin Nguyen

Yoelis Hair Salon
465 Main St.
Yoelis Harris

WESTFIELD

A.M.R. Systech
5 High St.
Ali M. Rahal

Big Adventures
77 Mill St.
Michael Ventrice

Closet Carousel
26 North Elm St.
Monica Casal-Dapaixao

I Wireless
82 Main St.
Bao Ngoc Tong

Mindanao Fashion Imports
71 Steiger Dr.
Sean M. Fitzgerald

Ryan’s Package Store
31 Franklin St.
Bharat Trivedi

The Seat Weaver
1 Kipling Ave.
Alice Flyte

Top to Bottom Cleaning
23 Reservoir Road
Lynn Cornelius

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Capital Enterprises
172 Harwich Road
Arthur A. Arena

Fine Finish Handy Works
1029 Elm St.
Daniel G. Moody

Grass & Stuff
73 River St.
Keith N. Konz

Jerry Rome Nissan
500 Riverdale St.
Balise JRN Inc.

JMR Welding and Fabrication
33 Allston Ave.
Jason Robert Moore

Music Tuitions
66 Irving St.
Mera Goroshit

Ryno Network Service
30 Windsor St.
Nancy Bletz

Starlift Equipment Inc.
36 Roanoke Ave.
Raymond Picarillo

West Side Wiring
34 Kelly Dr.
Jar R. Farrell

Whitney Nameplate Company
1700 Riverdale St.
Douglas D. Taylor

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.

AMHERST

Metric Solutions Inc., 6 University Dr., Suite 206-260, Amherst 01002. Alan Tomasko, 16 Sunrise Ave., Deerfield 01342. Design, manufacture, and sale of test/measurement equipment.

Mosaic Development Inc., 6 University Dr., Suite 206-200, Amherst 01002. Michael Helmstadter, same. Software engineering.

Sugarloaf Specialty Foods Inc., 305 Middle Road, Amherst 01002. John Rae, same. Food.

BELCHERTOWN

Prism Associates Unlimited Inc., 11 Canal Dr., Belchertown 01007. Faith G. Utley, same. E Commerce.

Sam Hicks Inc., 80 Shaw St., Belchertown 01007. Laura J. Hicks, same. E Commerce retail.

Station Salon Inc., 107 Pondview Dr., Belchertown 01007. Deborah A. Lowe, same. Cosmetology, manicuring and aesthetics.

BERNARDSTON

Abazl Inc., 30 Deane Road, Bernardston 01337. Abaz Cecunjanin, same. Innkeeper.

EASTHAMPTON

Easthampton Community Access Television Inc., 200 Park St., Easthampton 01027. Glafyra Ennis-Yentsch, 11 Water St., Leeds 01053. (Nonprofit) To provide a means for any person or group in the community to use communications media, including cable TV, make available video equipment, etc.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Palmer-Greater Springfield Economic Development Coalition Inc., 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow 01028. Timothy J. Murphy, 303 Soule Road, Wilbraham 01095. (Nonprofit) To act as a leading advocate for existing and proposed major economic development projects within the Palmer and Greater Springfield area, etc.

FEEDING HILLS

DSR & AMR Inc., 186 Clover Hill Dr., Feeding Hills 01030. Dale Rhodes, same. (Foreign corp; NY) Brokerage services.

FLORENCE

Smooth Movers Inc., 221 Pine St., Suite 358, Florence 01062. Melinda Beth Shaw, same. Moving and storage services.

The Fix: Restoration Inc., 320 Riverside Dr., Florence 01062. Krisen Day, 53 Clark Ave., #16, Northampton 01060. Athletic training and movement therapy.

HOLYOKE

Charity House Inc., 740 High St., Holyoke 01040. Gary Rehbein, 16 Jonathan Judd Circle, Southampton 01073. (Nonprofit) To raise funds for charity through the donation of appliances and old cars for auction/or resale.

Transportation Options Inc., 256 Maple St., Holyoke 01040. John A. Flley, Jr., 1308 Northampton St., Holyoke 01040. School transportation services.

HUBBARDSTON

Rural Glen Cemetery Association Inc., 9 Evergreen Road, Hubbardston 01452. Merriellen Moroney, 633 Main St., Shrewsbury 01545. To hold, preserve and maintain burial grounds in Hubbardston in existence since 1875, purchased then by the Association for this purpose.


  

INDIAN ORCHARD

Bry Corp., 36 Parker St., Right Floor, Indian Orchard 01151. Bryan David St. Amand, same. Manufacturing and fabrication of metal products.

PLAINFIELD

Silk Rapture Inc., 4 South Central St., Plainfield 01070. Kelly Clady, same. Import, export, sales of textile and wearing apparel, clothing, etc.

SOUTH DEERFIELD

Jawk Inc., 29 Straits Road, South Deerfield 01373. John T. Wroblewski, same. Acquisition, development, and sale of real estate.

SOUTHWICK

Animal Shelter Renovation Inc., 110 North Longyard Road, Southwick 01077. Kenneth Frazer, same. (Nonprofit) To build, equip, and maintain a ‘no-kill’ animal shelter, rescue and rehabilitate abused and abandoned animals, etc.

SPRINGFIELD

427 Market Inc., 427 State St., Springfield 01105. Pharoah Smalls, same. Convenience market selling snacks and other items.

Afffordable Tree Care Inc., 15 Ruthven St., Springfield 01128. Angel L. Munoz, same. A general tree service.

Atlantic Productions Inc., 1389-1393 Liberty St., Springfield 01104. Samuel Garcia, 23 Healey St., Indian Orchard 01151. To conduct a restaurant and nightclub business, etc.

National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Inc., 1 Federal St., Springfield 01105. Thomas A. Goodrow, 33 Cynthia Place, Feeding Hills 01030. (Nonprofit) To foster economic vitality for local communities through education programs of community colleges nation-wide, etc.

TURNER FALLS

2nd Street Baking Co. Inc., 69 Second St., Turners Falls 01376. Laura J.
Puchalski, 133 Federal St., Millers Falls 01349. Bakery/cafe retail and wholesale.

WESTFIELD

Autumn Land Solutions Inc., 60 Cardinal Lane, Westfield 01085. Richard A. Sypek, same. Real estate development and brokerage.

Richard’s Deli Restaurant Inc., 220 Prospect St., Westfield 01085. Brian T. Cleland, same. Restaurant.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Maniba Corp., 2041 Riverdale St., West Springfield 01089. Pravinbhai C. Patel, same. Ownership and operation of motels.

R & B Solutions Inc., 55 North Boulevard, West Springfield 01089. Ronald J. Yergeau, same. To own and operate a Subway sandwich franchise.

PEAJ Inc., 583 Birnie Ave., West Springfield 01089. Paul M. B’Shara, same. Restaurant, catering establishment.

Time for the State to Go ‘All In’ on Casinos

By
Opinion

There is considerable speculation going on these days about who holds the cards — figuratively speaking — when it comes to casino gambling in the Commonwealth and the prospects for it becoming reality.

Is it Gov. Deval Patrick, who leaned against the concept of gambling as a candidate during last fall’s campaign, but may be may be more open to the concept now that he has an aggressive list of projects to advance and few revenue sources at his disposal? Or is it Attorney General Martha Coakley, who must set down the rules by which casino owners can operate and has cautioned that casinos are “not some pot of gold at the end of the rainbow”?

Most would say it’s House Speaker Sal DiMasi, an historically strong opponent of casinos who’s been quiet of late as the governor, AG, and seemingly everyone else in Boston awaits the results of several studies on gambling being conducted concurrently.

From our view, though, it’s the residents of the state that do, or should, hold the trump card in this highly combustible debate. None of those aforementioned elected leaders will stand against casinos if they’re convinced that the majority of voters and decision-makers are for them. Whether that majority exists is still a matter of opinion, but we believe it should.

Why? Because the debate has, in our opinion, shifted on casinos — from whether they’re a good thing for society in general (of course not) to what the state should do now that casino gambling is a firmly entrenched part of that same society.

In other words, the debate isn’t about revenues any longer, it’s about common sense. Can a state desperate for revenue to fund new ventures in education, transportation, and economic development — and with a real dearth of creative and/or politically attractive ideas for funding them —afford to lose out on perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue now going to neighboring states?

We believe the answer is ‘no.’

Our stance on casinos hasn’t changed in more than a decade. We view it as a less-than-ideal source of revenue and jobs, but one that should nonetheless be pursued because no one in this state seems to have a better idea, and no one wants to pay higher taxes. Cynics would consider casino gambling a tax — one that would disproportionately impact lower-income, less-educated residents — and it may be just that. But it would be a tax that could improve the lives of most state residents while directly impacting few.

We are perhaps more vocal in our support of casinos now because we have seen Patrick’s wish list and are intrigued by it. The list includes early childhood education for everyone, free tuition at community colleges, and proposals to build and repair college classrooms and laboratories, repair infrastructure, and spur economic development and new business sectors. We’d like to see these proposals funded, and without sinking the state deeper into debt in the process.

Opponents of casinos are right when they say these operations are not cure-alls, and they have a point when they observe that casino gambling will probably bring the state only between $150 million and $450 million annually — numbers that represent a tiny fraction of the state’s $26 billion budget.

But this is revenue that the state will probably not gain from any other sources beyond higher taxes, which are unlikely given the current political climate, and could advance some of the governor’s proposals.

And that’s why it’s time for the state — meaning its residents and elected officials — to go all in on casino gambling.-

OPINION

By
Opinion
The Drive Toward Fuel Economy

Over the past two decades, the automotive industry has been ablaze with innovation — from cars that park themselves to cars that ‘clean up’ after themselves. Literally, the automobile has grown smarter as technology has enabled manufacturers to rethink their old ways. Unfortunately, the foresight ends there.

Recently, two bills designed to increase fuel economy standards in the U.S. were introduced in the House of Representatives and promptly shot down. With them, the hope that industry standards would finally catch up with innovations in the field diminished as well. Indeed, Congress has dragged its feet for far too long in forcing automakers to improve fuel economy.

Unfortunately, this latest retreat in Congress is not the first time proposed changes — changes so minor they were not nearly enough to begin with — have hinted at improvement, only to fade rapidly. In his State of the Union speech in January, President Bush suggested a 4% annual increase in the fuel efficiency of cars and light trucks by 2017. His words did little to catalyze any concrete change. Later, a proposal to increase fuel economy standards by 4% annually from 2020 to 2031 died an early death in the House. In short, the U.S. is no better off today than it was 20 years ago as far as fuel efficiency is concerned.

Compare the U.S. to similar economies: European fleets already average 43 miles per gallon, and Japanese fleets are reaching 50 miles per gallon. While there are only two car models in the U.S. that achieve greater than 40 miles per gallon (both hybrid vehicles), there are more than 113 such vehicles in Europe.

The most astounding fact is that many of the European high-fuel-economy vehicles are produced by U.S. carmakers. How can the government let manufacturers continue to convince the nation that a fuel economy of more than 35 miles per gallon is difficult to achieve? Any rational person should not be willing to accept these manufacturers’ excuses.

If existing technology for vehicles with higher fuel economy has succeeded in Europe and parts of Asia in terms of both safety and commercial profit, why not implement policies to make similar vehicles more accessible in the U.S.? The success of the Toyota Prius and other hybrids across the U.S. shows that there is verifiable demand for more fuel-efficient cars.

Equally important is the fact that hybrid technology is not the only way to reach higher fuel economy; nearly 50% of the cars sold in Europe are clean diesel. Such models not only provide a much higher fuel economy than gasoline models, but also run faster and more efficiently and last longer.

A closer look at the diesel industry shows that innovations such as the nationwide availability of low-sulfur diesel and the commercial success of diesel particulate filters (which remove more than 99% of pollutants from diesel exhaust) have made clean diesels cleaner than other vehicles on the road. They also provide nearly 20% to 30% better fuel efficiency than gasoline engines, and low CO2 emissions.

Clearly, the barrier to improving U.S. fuel economy is not technological; the real obstacle is lack of political will. Automakers are demonstrating a remarkable ability to resist any changes in mileage standards, and instead are producing larger and heavier cars with unnecessary amenities, such as chilled glove boxes. A better way to improve fuel economy would be for the government to let market forces do the work, which is what Europe has done so successfully.

Like Europe, the U.S. should price fuel at its actual cost. It is estimated that the U.S. government subsidizes fuel at a cost of roughly $3 to $10 per gallon, if one considers all the tax breaks accorded to the oil companies as well as the costs associated with regulatory oversight, pollution cleanup, and liability. The real price of gasoline in the U.S., without the subsidies, would not differ much from the $6 per gallon in Europe.

What would you drive if you had to pay more than $100 the next time you filled up your tank? I know that I would look for better performance with higher fuel economy.

Bilal Zuberi is vice president at GEO2 Technologies Inc. of Woburn. This article first appeared in the Boston Globe.

By
Departments

Grant Writing Workshop

Sept. 6: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast will present a free workshop titled Writing a Successful Workforce Training Grant from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The workshop is designed for individuals who have never written a grant. To register or for more information, contact Sue Miller, director of Training and Development, at (877) 662-6444, ext. 313, or visit www.eane.org. The Employers Association of the NorthEast is located at 67 Hunt St., Agawam.

Family Business Program

Sept. 20: Greg McCann, author of When Your Parents Sign Your Paycheck, will be the guest speaker at a dinner forum hosted by the UMass Family Business Center, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center in Northampton. McCann works with family businesses in the areas of succession, communication, conflict resolution, gender issues, and development of the next generation. He will speak on what family business owners should be saying to the next generation about the company and their possible future with it — and when and how they should be saying it. To register, or for more information, contact Ira Bryck at the center; (413) 545-1537.

AIM Executive Forum

Sept. 28: The Associated Industries of Mass. Executive Forum will host Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi for a lively discussion of critical business issues facing the Legislature during the fourth quarter of 2007 at its breakfast and networking meeting. Registration, breakfast, and networking begins at 8 a.m. at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Speaker DiMasi’s presentation starts at 8:30. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org

Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame Dinner

Oct. 4: The Western Mass. Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame will honor its Class of 2007 at its Eighth Annual Induction and Banquet at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. The event, one of the region’s largest networking events, will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7. This year’s inductees are: the Bassett family (Bassett Boat Company), the Falcone family (Rocky’s Ace Hardware), Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), the Gordenstein family (Broadway Office Interiors), Charles and Merriam Webster, and Noah Webster (Merriam-Webster Inc.), and the Roberts family (F.L. Roberts). Tickets are $150 per person; tables of 10 are $1,500. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 730-6157.

Six Flags CEO to Address AIM

Nov. 9: Marc Shapiro, president and CEO of Six Flags Inc., will outline his managing style for overseeing the world’s largest regional theme park company during the Associated Industries of Mass. Executive Forum meeting at the Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham. Registration begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the program from 8 to 9:15. For registration information, call Julie Fazio at (617) 262-1180 or Chris Geehern at (617) 834-4414, or visit www.aimnet.org

Bright Nights Ball

Nov. 17: East Longmeadow-based Hasbro Games will be the sponsor of the 2007 City of Bright Nights Ball, which will take on a Monopoly theme. The event, the major fundraiser for the Spririt of Springfield, which puts on the annual holiday display in Forest Park known as Bright Nights, will take place in the ballroom of the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place. The black-tie event features a gourmet dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to win and purchase some fabulous items. Guests will be able to purchase Monopoly deeds, everything from Baltic Avenue to Boardwalk, and redeem them for prizes. Bidding on five showcase items will begin online in early November and be completed the evening of the gala. Other premium items will be sold in an online auction. Auction items will be announced at a later date. In addition to Hasbro Games, the City of Bright Nights Ball is being supported by Baystate Health, Health New England, MassMutual Financial Group, and Sheraton Springfield. Tickets to the 12th annual City of Bright Nights Ball are $500 per couple. Tables of 10 are available for $2,500. For more information, contact the Spirit of Springfield at (413) 733-3800.

By
Departments

Seven Proposals Received for Union Station

SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) has received seven proposals for transportation and redevelopment planning for Union Station, according to Mary MacInnes, PVTA administrator. MacInnes said the proposals show that the Union Station project “is back on track.” The next step in the process is a due diligence review by the Selection Committee to ensure submitted responses contain the information required from the request for qualifications (RFQ). The committee will review the proposals, rank them, and select at least three finalists who then may be interviewed, according to MacInnes. The finalists will be ranked in order of qualification, and the committee will present the ranking to MacInnes. Members of the selection committee include industry and business professionals from Amtrak, Greyhound, the New England Black Chamber of Commerce, the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and the PVTA. MacInnes expects the award to be made by the end of September. Firms submitting proposals were Lozano, Baskins & Associates, Watertown; HDR Architecture Inc., Boston; Finegold Alexander, Boston; SEA Consultants Inc., Cambridge; STV Inc., Boston; Nelson/ Nygard Consulting Associates, San Francisco, Calif.; and HR&A Advisors Inc., New York.

Near-term Home Sales Hold in Modest Range

WASHINGTON — The housing market will probably hold close to present levels in the months ahead, according to the latest forecast by the National Assoc. of Realtors. Existing-home sales are forecast at 6.04 million in 2007 and 6.38 million next year, below the 6.48 million recorded in 2006. New-home sales are expected to total 852,000 this year and 848,000 in 2008, down from 1.05 million in 2006. Housing starts, including multi-family units, are likely to total 1.43 million in 2007 and 1.40 million next year, below the 1.8 million units started in 2006. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is forecast to average 6.7% in the fourth quarter and then ease to the 6.5% range next year. The National Assoc. of Realtors represents more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

AIM’s Confidence Index Back Up in July

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 3.4 points in July to 57.6, more than recouping June’s decline, according to Raymond G. Torto, co-chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors, and principal CBRE Torto Wheaton. Since April, the Index has followed an up-down-up pattern, with June’s loss virtually cancelling out May’s gain, and July’s rise returning to the higher level — above a year before (55.4), and close to the reading of July 2005 (57.8). However, the July survey was conducted before the new wave of uncertainties, particularly around the mortgage situation, that produced sharp drops in the equity markets, added Torto. Confidence levels were virtually identical in July among manufacturers (57.5, up 3.3) and non-manufacturers (57.8, up 3.6), with manufacturers more positive than others about conditions for their own firms and sales trends, but less so about recent hiring. A strong gain in confidence outside Greater Boston (+5.2) and a lesser rise within the metro area (+1.9) similarly left that split close to even (57.4-57.7). Larger firms were more optimistic than small and medium-sized employers.

Nominations Sought for ‘Super 60’

SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. is seeking nominations for its annual Super 60 awards program. The aim of the program is to celebrate the success of the fastest-growing privately owned businesses in the region which continue to make significant contributions to the strength of the regional economy. Nomination forms are available at the Chamber offices, 1441 Main St., Suite 136. Completed nomination forms must be received at the Chamber offices by Aug. 31. The Super 60 awards will be presented at the annual luncheon and recognition program on Oct. 26 at Chez Josef in Agawam. For more information on the nomination process, call the chamber at (413) 787-1555.

Eatery Closes Downtown Location

SPRINGFIELD — Gus & Paul’s restaurant recently closed its doors after 10 years at Tower Square, while the original Gus & Paul’s Delicatessen and Bakery on Sumner Avenue remains open. Lee L. Weissman, a co-owner of the downtown eatery, expressed his regret in having to close the restaurant in a letter to the city, and noted he hoped to sell the business. Weissman added he has begun a new career as a professional fundraiser and found it difficult to also oversee the restaurant operations. More than 20 employees lost their jobs in the closing; however, Weissman said with his family’s connections in the restaurant business, he is anticipating helping most or all of them find new jobs. Fred G. Christensen, senior property manager of Tower Square for CB Richard Ellis, said he is optimistic a new tenant can be found in the near future to take over the Gus & Paul’s site.

Study: More Employees Working Remotely Today Than Five Years Ago

MENLO PARK, Calif. — The proliferation of wireless technologies and feature-rich Internet applications is making it easier for information technology (IT) professionals to work outside of the office. A new study by Robert Half Technology shows that telecommuting is becoming more commonplace among IT professionals. Nearly half (44%) of chief information officers (CIOs) surveyed said their companies’ IT workforce is telecommuting at a rate that is the same or higher than five years ago; only 3% said IT staff work remotely less frequently today than five years ago. Improved retention and morale and increased productivity were cited as the greatest benefits among firms that allow telecommuting. While telecommuting can benefit employers and employees alike, it’s important that companies have the appropriate infrastructure in place to facilitate staff working remotely. For example, nearly a third of CIO’s (31%) surveyed felt that telecommuting employees generate too many security risks because they need to access elements such as corporate networks, systems, and intellectual property off-site. The national poll includes responses from more than 1,400 CIOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees.

Ivanhoe Restaurant Closes

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Steve and Ron Abdow, owners of the Ivanhoe, recently announced the closing of the landmark restaurant on Riverdale Street. According to the Abdows, a recent decision by their abutter to no longer lease parking spaces to the Ivanhoe was the catalyst in the decision to close. Since its inception, the Ivanhoe had 113 parking spaces at its disposal; however, 62 spaces would soon no longer be available as the abutter plans for future development of its site. The Ivanhoe was opened in 1967, and the theme was based on the time of Sir Ivanhoe and the Knights of the Round Table, with gothic arches and features reflective of that period.

Small Business Applications Sought for Law and Business Clinic

SPRINGFIELD — The Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship is now accepting applications from entrepreneurs seeking law or graduate business students to serve as consultants for their business during the fall semester. The opportunity for this free service is limited to those businesses that need consultation regarding a discrete topic. This service does not include litigation needs. For more information, contact Aimee Munnings at the Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship at (413) 736-8462, or E-mail [email protected]

Survey: Companies Ineffective at Rewarding Good Performance

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Workers who feel their good work often goes unnoticed may have a case. More than one-third (35%) of professionals polled recently said businesses are ineffective at rewarding their employees’ strong performance. Meanwhile, 30% of managers surveyed agreed. Businesses need to make retention an ongoing priority, according to Diane Domeyer, executive director of Office Team. Rewarding employees for their accomplishments enhances productivity, reinforces positive behavior, and builds staff morale and loyalty, she added. Domeyer noted that firms that fail to reward great work risk losing employees to businesses that do invest in recognition programs. The surveys were developed by Office Team and reflect responses from 150 senior executives at the nation’s 1,000 largest companies, and 534 full- or part-time workers 18 years of age or older and employed in office environments.

By
Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2007.

AGAWAM

Agawam Auto Mall Inc.
825 Springfield St.
Matthew Falkowski

Aspen Global
41 Belmont Ave.
Len Matz

Canterbury Café
369 Walnut St.
Randy Bianchi

Custom Maid Etc
641 Springfield St.
Julie Demos

Integrated Wealth Strategies Group
62 Suffield St.
Mark Van Valkenburg

Look Clean Commercial Services
1 Belden Center
Trina Gomes

Michael Kelleher Graphic Design
67 Hunt St.
Michael Kelleher

National Entertainment Productions
27 E. Castle Hill Road
Brent S. DeSellier

AMHERST

Dixie Brown
52 Valley View Circle
Sarah D. Brown

Jenness & Company
97 Southpoint Dr.
Lindiwe Jenness

The Parsonage Bed & Breakfast
1170 North Pleasant St.
Linda Olf

CHICOPEE

JPV Design/Paint
380 East Main St.
Joseph Paul Viens

Nicole’s Transcription Service
87 Putting Lane
Nicole M. Boisvere

Sam’s Food Store
1031 Chicopee St.
Faisal R. Khan

EASTHAMPTON

CNA Trucking
49 Mt. Tom Ave.
Ryszard Marcinowski

Five Star Remodeling
17 East St.
Kevin Perrier

Good Ink
17 Center St.
Amy Brown

EAST LONGMEADOW

Added Attractions
2 North Main St.
Carol Kononitz

GREENFIELD

At Your Service Billing
81 Wisdom Way
Elizabeth Serrano

Balin Painting Co.
15 Summer St.
Petru Balan

Pioneer Valley DingDong
267 Main St.
Joanne Kostidos

Valley Homework
45 Russell St.
Todd B. Clark

HADLEY

Longview Farm
14 Barstow Lane
Steven N. Barstow

Norma’s Notions
16 East St.
Norma Kostec

HOLYOKE

American Red Cross, Pioneer Valley Chapter
45 Lower Westfield Road
Richard A. Lee

Dock’s Classics
31 Jackson St.
James D. Perry

Egito Cleaning Service
73 Woodland St.
George M. Lewis

Fitzgerald’s Inc. of Holyoke
224 Westfield Road
Michael J. Fitzgerald

Ken’s Auto Sales
921 Main St.
Kenneth M. Cushman

Kim’s Nail Salon
98 Lower Westfield Road
Tong To

Marinello & McKenna
1500 Northampton St.
Marita Marinello

Personal Touch Caterer
250 Whitney Ave.
Susan Peloquin

Solstice Marketing Concepts
50 Holyoke St.
John Judge

Quik & Clean Coin-op Laundry
337 Appleton St.
Jacquelyn Scarfo

LONGMEADOW

Carman Associates
541 Laurel St.
Tracy E. Carman

Decosmo Construction
49 Cobblestone Road
Ted J. Decosmo

The Associates
63 Porter Lake Dr.
Thomas H. Snelham

Winchester Auto School
180 Academy Dr.
Joseph Maruca

Yelena Kofman Nailcare
17 Pioneer Dr.
Yelena Kaufman

LUDLOW

Garand Building Maintenance
115 State St.
Richard Garand

Hair West Designs
322 West Ave.
Christine D. Peacey

NORTHAMPTON

Ink Solutions
12 Main St.
Serges LaRiviere

Principle of Prediction
93 South St.
Jackson R. Jones

Salon Maria @ Shear Extreme
4 Old South St.
Maria Amarosa

Sparky’s All American Food
241 Main St.
Brian A. Benavidez

PALMER

Dream Catchers
1438 Main St.
Charles L. Hood Jr.

Palmer Sales Co. Inc.
1158 Park St.
John Boone

Skura Welding & Fabrication
2 Skura Lane
Thomas L. Skura

  

SOUTH HADLEY

Offensive Tie Music Production and Publishing
29 Camden St.
Charles Sokol

Mane Tamers
6 Hadley St.
Kathleen M. Rogers

Volpe Nails
580 Newton St.
Wendy Mailhott

SOUTHWICK

BC Enterprises
3 Depot St.
Brian Coughlin

Delreo Home Improvement
131 North Lake Ave.
Gary Delcamp

SPRINGFIELD

A and A Auto Brokers
57 Marble St.
Rufino Perez

A Master Plan 4 U
43 Ferris St.
Denise Mari Stewart

Admark Transportation
786 Newberry St.
Rene Romero

Baystate Visiting Nurse
50 State St.
Ruth Odgren

Bellucci Salon
1498 Allen St.
Maria J. Serra

C & M Concrete
27 Continental St.
Steven W. Miller

Charming Designs
377 Belmont Ave.
Miry H. Correra

City Mini Mart
150 Belmont Ave.
Asad Mahmood

Cricket’s Corner
414 Chestnut St.
Christine M. Howe

Da Shop
21B Rutland St.
George Bell Jr.

Dambrov Appraisal Group
45 Weymouth St.
David Dambrov

Duane’s Power Washing
347 Newbury St.
Duane M. Dowd

Elegancia Barber Shop
234 Orange St.
Alexandra Torres

Gamehunters
511 Belmont Ave.
Vien Nguyen

Get Rite Home Improvement
104 Bristol St.
Gregory Dwayne Brown

Hancock St. Market
260 Hancock St.
Jorge Severino

Herks.com
87 Ingersoll Grove
Paul Anthony Nuckols

Illusions
884 Summer Ave.
Angelic Santiago

Indian Orchard Grill
89 Main St.
Kenneth W. DeMars

J. Lo Home Improvement
21 Standish St.
Jorge Ivan Lopez

Jao Technologies
214 Chapin St.
Javier A. Olivera

Kaezee Property Management
50 Campechi St.
Kurt Pinnock

Kevin’s Signature Towing
14 Lockwood Ave.
Kevin John Lizak

Life Supply
271 Carew St.
John Francis Margeson

M & M Consulting and Engineering
16 Marsden St.
Richard Samuel

Madeline Vazquez
35 Ledyard St.
Madeline Vazquez

WESTFIELD

A-1 Nolan Realty
350 Elm St.
Steven Rovithis

Campus Software Solutions
207 Munger Hill Road
Michael Merigan

David E. Kingsley Electric
28 Governor Dr.
David E. Kingsley

Father & Son’s Sport Cards
22 School St.
Robert Saunders

Jani-King
15 Scenic Road
Guy Larkins

J.L.R. Transcription
93 St. James Ave.
Julie Rucki

Mesmere’s Attic
71 Elm St.
Tanya Rogalski

Westfield Auto Mall
82 Springfield Road
Michael Merigian

West Poured Concrete
196 Russell Road
Raymond West

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Century Buffet
247 Memorial Ave.
Xue Ling Ye

Consolidated Edison Energy Massage
15 Agawam Ave.
Kim C. Marsili

Fireside Designs
1769 Riverdale St.
P&P Marketing

Geraldines
1519 Elm St.
Morse Hospitality

Ideas Marketing Services
191 North St.
General Services

Macadvocate
1267 Riverdale St.
Robert Gerald

Price Rite of West Springfield
1106 Union St.
PRRC Inc.

Royal Nailes
25 Riverdale St.
Hoang Vo

Russo Opticians Inc.
1025 Westfield St.
Karen Drudi

Westside Shearing & Demo
190 Day St.
Gregg J. Villenueve

By
Departments

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

Alonso, Aurelia
23 Hanover St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/07

Amos, Craig A.
PO Box 1671
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Anderson, John Everett
177 Marion St., 1st Fl.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Anglero, Alfonso
5A Summer St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/07

Arrington, Lucien
593 South Branch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Atwell, Jennifer L.
522 Union St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Axsmith, Kim Georgeanna
PO Box 575
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/07

Baldwin, Bernard L.
800 Washburn Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Barber, Heather N.
125 Pearl St.
Gardner, MA 01440
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Bertera, Michael C.
P.O. Box 1062
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/07

Bisbee, Debbie J.
39 D St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Blanchet, Billy A.
59 Hanover St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/24/07

Bouchard, Lawrence M.
Bouchard, Dawn M.
8 Second Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/07

Brunson, Dorothy G.
P.O. Box 90462
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Canard, Jason Nicholas
2 Cadwell St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Case, Jonathan E.
Case, Susan M.
a/k/a Hawes, Susan M.
27 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Casey, Ellen A.
29 New Hampshire Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/07

Cassamas, Leslie Ann
Rougeau, Leslie Ann
31 Russell St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Castro, Basilio
33 Merrill Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Castro, Iris
1570 North Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Champion Childcare Inc.
PO Box 4493
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Clarke, Clyde M.
45 South Main St., Apt. 1
Gardner, MA 01440
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Colon, Lillian
1162 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/07

DeMarco, Joseph William
DeMarco, Rita Delores
48 Brooklyn St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Doolin, Demetra C.
70 Hood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/07

Douglas, Lamont H.
73 Flint St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Dubowski, Carl W.
Dubowski, Cecile M.
67 Lavender Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/07

Filiault, Tina C.
1256 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Girard, Sherry Ann
42 Chapin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/07

Grondin, Robert Joseph
Grondin, Jennifer Leigh
a/k/a Gladstone, Jennifer Leigh
a/k/a Allsop, Jennifer Leigh
86 Sheri Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Hamel, Gregory J.
2 Stratford Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Hann, Robert K.
4 Upper River Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/07

Hawley, Erik A.
91 Baystate Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Jaikissoon, Stephen A.
Jaikissoon, Jerelyn J.
55 Hawks Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/19/07

 

Kooblall, Mahash P.
Kooblall, Denise I.
9 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/24/07

LaPointe, Michelle J.
2 Stratford Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Lightcap, Thomas K.
Lightcap, Ellen J.
60 White Fox Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/07

Lyons, John J.
Lyons, Jane M.
100 Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/07

McDonald, Jennifer Marie
66 Central Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/07

Medina, Maria M.
511 Whitney Ave. Apt. 2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/07

Mnatsakanyan, Vatchagan
25 Grassy Meadow
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/29/07

Moseley, Felicia M.
189 St. James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Moye, Mary A.
80 Rochelle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Nataro, Tynia M.
a/k/a Scales, Tonia M.
19 Lake St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Niquette, Joan A.
80 Damon Road, Unit 8103
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Padro, Roger F.
185 Dwight St., Apt. 1
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Pelletier, Timothy
198 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104-1427
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/23/07

Perez, Carmen V.
185 Dwight St., Apt 10
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Pioneer Valley Design Center
Robitaille, Denise Marie
37 Christopher St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Poor, Joseph A.
398 Montcalm St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/23/07

Powers, Karin A.
41 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/26/07

Psholka, Thelma Jean
PO Box 601
West Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Randall, Robert A.
740 Church St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Ray’s Family Cafe
Iwanik, Karen M.
a/k/a Doolittle, Karen
248 Pearl St.
Gardner, MA 01440
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Regan, John Michael
43 Waterford Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/25/07

Richardson, Cheryl A.
65 Belmont Ave. Apt. 1-L
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Rosario, Francisco Manuel
Rosario, Angela Corrine
263 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/07

Santana, Rolando
75 Congress St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/23/07

Santos, Lillian
68 Bremen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Santos, Orlando
P.O. Box 28
Feeding Hills, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Scorza, Mario J.
29 Buckingham Place
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/07

Sevene, William H.
172 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Stewart, Denise
459 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/07

Suleski, Kelly C.
11 Palmer Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/22/07

Texidor, Haydee
a/k/a Natal, Haydee
PO Box 80155
Springfield, MA 01138
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/28/07

Vaz, Emma
a/k/a Barrett, Emma
45 Oak Grove Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/07

Watkins, Samuel L.
PO Box 91001
Springfield, MA 01139
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/07

Wellspeak, Mark S.
14 Matthews Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/27/07

By
Departments

New Director Chosen for Control Board

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Finance Control Board voted last month to appoint Stephen Lisauskas as its executive director, succeeding Philip Puccia, who resigned, effective July 19, to take a job with JP Morgan Securities. Lisauskas had previously served as deputy director under Puccia.

Gov. Patrick Eyes Workforce Priorities for Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — The Patrick Administration recently announced its partnership with the City of Springfield and the Hampden County Regional Employment Board to assess the workforce needs of the city to bring about greater economic opportunity. The workforce assessment will bring together employers as well as local community and business organizations to prepare an inventory of existing workforce development programs and activities to assess what skill sets are needed to fill the jobs of today and in the future. The Patrick administration will also work with city officials to secure funding as part of this assessment process. End goals include addressing the basic literacy of the city’s workforce by increasing public and private resources; establishing growth areas in key sectors, and better aligning economic and workforce development strategies. Administration officials also recently announced that the state’s 16 workforce boards, including the Hampden County Regional Employment Board, will play a stronger role in the approval process of state Workforce Training Fund grant applications.

Investors Hoping for Steady Interest Rate

WASHINGTON — Both food and energy costs nationally retreated in June, which boosted wholesale inflation to better than expected readings, while homebuilders’ confidence dropped to the lowest level in 15 years as the housing slump continued, according to several national reports. All of the positive findings — including industrial production being on the upswing — is good news at the Federal Reserve, since it indicates the recent acceleration in inflation appears to be abating. Investors hope that the economy’s current performance will result in the Federal Reserve staying the course on unchanged interest rates, thus giving borrowers a break until 2008.

Adjustable-rate Mortgages, Predatory Lending Attributing to Foreclosures

SPRINGFIELD — A staggering number of foreclosures across the region are being attributed to a slumping real estate market, adjustable-rate mortgages, and predatory lenders, according to officials from the Hampshire County and Hampden County Registries of Deeds. In Hampden County, foreclosures have doubled, from 278 in fiscal 2006 to 529 in fiscal 2007, while in Hampshire County, foreclosures rose by 78.8% to 59 in the fiscal year that just ended June 30. In Franklin County, officials note that foreclosures have also doubled, from 26 in 2006 to 60 in fiscal 2007. Foreclosure filings noted at the registries of deeds are actual foreclosures in which a lender has repossessed a property.

GSCVB Awarded Grant for Web Site Enhancements

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) was recently awarded a $11,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to enhance its Web site with additional information about cultural attractions in the region. The funds have been used to create a highly graphic landing page and add an electronic postcard component to the site. The site address is www.valleyvisitor.com.

First Five Floors of One Financial Plaza Sold

SPRINGFIELD — Eastco Realty Co. LCC recently purchased the bottom five floors of 1350 Main St., also known as One Financial Plaza, for $2.4 million, according to documents filed at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. Daniel M. Eastman of Somers, Conn., is president of Enfield Enterprises, a construction firm based in the city, and is manager of Eastco Realty. The first five floors consist of approximately 103,000 square feet, and half is currently occupied by Sovereign Bank and offices. The top 12 floors were purchased earlier in the year by a group of local investors. The remaining floors comprise approximately 220,000 square feet. Both groups of investors expect to work together to bring in quality tenants.

By
Departments

The following Building Permits were issued during the months of June 2007.

AGAWAM

OMG Inc.
153 Bowles Road
$60,000 — 2,000-square-foot interior alterations

AMHERST

Amherst College Trustees
214 Main St.
$45,000 — Install a VESDA fire detection system

CHICOPEE

Avery Denison
One Better Way
$340,000 — Install eight overhead doors and nine lock levelers in existing building

CBL Management Inc.
601 Memorial Dr.
$2,000,000 — Renovation of Ocean State Job Lot

City of Chicopee
617 Montgomery St.
$150,000 — Construction of flagpole, equipment cabinets, and utility backboard on existing rooftop

Golden Mustard LLC
82 Rivers Ave.
$6,000 — Cut back roof overhang, remove front porch, and re-side existing

Golden Mustard LLC
88 Rivers Ave.
$6,000 — Cut back roof overhang, remove front porch, and re-side existing

Jeff Kozianowski
591 Memorial Dr.
$181,000 — Interior improvements to the Dollar Tree

M6 Limited Partnership
36 Johnny Cake Hollow Road
$70,000 — Remodel four guest rooms

Pasterczyk Welding Shop Inc.
1737 Donahue Road
$10,500 — Addition to existing building

EASTHAMPTON

Eastworks LLP
116 Pleasant St.
44,000 — Masonry repair

Robert Sullivan
122 Pleasant St.
$14,000 — New roof

Will Bundy
116 Pleasant St.
$26,000 — Expansion of Blue Moon Deli

EAST LONGMEADOW

Redstone Rehabilitation
135 Benton Drive
$45,000 — Alteration to an oxygen storage room at the nursing home

GREENFIELD

31 Ames St. LLC
31 Ames St.
$1,200 — Frame and drywall bathroom

Franklin County Community Development Corporation
324 Wells St.
$7,000 — Construct metal stud partitions

Knickerbockers Realty, LLC
95 Davis St.
$2,400 — Strip south side roof and re-shingle

Richard M. Katz
5 Traver Court
$47,000 — Renovations on first floor

HADLEY

Anthony Gleason
10 South Maple St.
$6,000 — 12 x 90 Overhang in front of building

LONGMEADOW

Interfaith Homes of Longmeadow
114 Emerson Road
$3,119,000 — Addition to elderly housing facility

  

Town of Longmeadow
34 Williams St.
46,000 — Re-roof

LUDLOW

St. John the Baptist Church
201 Hubbard St.
$1,328,000 — New commercial construction

NORTHAMPTON

Billmar Corporation
330 North King St.
$3,354,000 – Construction of pre-engineered metal building

Coolidge Northampton LLC
243 King St.
$102,000 — Install roofing

Ethan Kramer
73 Bridge St.
$6,500 — Insulate and drywall basement walls

PVTA
1 Roundhouse Plaza
$6,500 — Install roofing

Smith College
25 Prospect St.
$110,000 — Remodel four bathrooms in Talbot House

Smith College
36 Bedford Terrace
$60,000 — Repair exterior siding and paint

Smith College
110 Elm St.
$3,378,000 — Renovations to Haven House

Smith College
College Lane
$572,000 — Renovations & additions to Chapin Dining Hall

Smith College
100 Green St.
$44,000,000 — Construction of new science and engineering building

Trident Realty Corporation
15 Hawley St.
$9,000 — Interior partitions

SOUTHWICK

T.J. Welch
622 College Highway
$ NA — Construction of office building and garage

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health Inc.
89 Belmont St.
$35,000 — Interior renovations at My Sister’s House

Granite City Electric
95 Fisk Ave.
$38,000 — Interior renovations

Yukon Associates
95 Fisk Ave.
432,000 — Addition of two handicap accessible bathrooms

WESTFIELD

DevCon Shop LLC
431 East Main St.
$61,000 — Commercial renovation

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Billie’s Cream Puffs
Eastern States Exposition
$2,500 — Addition of partition walls for storage

Steve O’Toole
425 Union St.
$22,000 — Renovation of existing commercial office

By
Departments

Pride Purchases Inland Oil Stations

SPRINGFIELD — Pride Stations and Stores recently announced the purchase of three self-service gasoline stations in West Springfield, Westfield, and Southwick for an undisclosed amount. The Citgo-branded stations have been owned and operated by the Burek Oil Company, also known as Inland Oil, for more than 60 years. Plans include adding the sale of Massachusetts Lottery, and converting to the complete line of Pride renewable fuels. In other company news, Pride recently opened a station in Palmer, and has four sites under construction in Ludlow, Springfield, and Westfield.

WCA Places 251st on VARBusiness Top 500 List

SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) was recently ranked by VARBusiness Magazine as the 251st largest computer reseller in North America. This designation places WCA in the top one-third of 1% of the more than 120,000 VARs throughout North America, according to Paul Whalley, vice president, WCA. “This year’s move for our company in ranking from 289th to 251st is a reflection of the investment we put this year into the number of customer service programs that we established,” he said.

Fuss & O’Neill Acquires ProActive

MANCHESTER, Conn. — ProActive, a New Haven-based network management firm, recently became part of Fuss & O’Neill Technologies, LLC of Manchester. ProActive provides managed services including IT infrastructure, security, and solutions. ProActive was founded by Brian Doyle and Frank Gesino, where they developed ProActive Management Services. Doyle will become vice president of business development, and Gesino will become vice president of professional services for Fuss & O’Neill Technologies. Fuss & O’Neill Technologies, LLC is part of the Fuss & O’Neill Inc. family. The firm’s practices include civil and environmental engineering, structural engineering, industrial plant services, building systems, manufacturing solutions, and design-build.

Baystate Offers Incisionless Stapled Anastomosis

SPRINGFIELD — A team of Baystate Medical Center physicians recently performed the world’s first reported stapled NOTES cyst-gastrostomy to successfully treat and save the life of a seriously ill patient who had been hospitalized for months with a chronic infected pancreatic pseudocyst — without the need of an abdominal incision. The emerging field of NOTES (natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery) is a cutting-edge surgical and gastroenterological approach which involves passing flexible surgical tools and a camera through the patient’s natural orifices to eliminate incisions, resulting in less pain and infection, and quicker recoveries. In addition, patients who are high-risk candidates for surgery may be able to be treated with this new, less-invasive surgical approach.

New Family Restaurant Opens in Chicopee

CHICOPEE — Cote’s Family Restaurant officially opened its second location in the city with a ribbon-cutting on July 25 at 582 Chicopee St., formerly LaCroix’s Market. The restaurant, boasting more booths and an ice cream counter, will offer a full menu including daily specials, homemade soups, homemade desserts, and monthly breakfast specials.

LiftTruck Celebrates 20th Anniversary

WEST SPRINGFIELD — LiftTruck Parts and Service Inc., a leader in the material handling industry, is celebrating its 20th year in business. The company is a full-service material-handling firm, with a wide range of specialties, including new and pre-owned fleet sales, service, parts, short- and long-term rentals, financing, on-site maintenance, and others. Founded by owner Mario Sotolotto, Lifttruck is an authoriuzed distributor for the material handling products of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks and Komatsu Forklift USA Inc.

MassMutual Invests In NovaStar Financial

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Capital Partners, LLC, a subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., and Jefferies Capital Partners are investing $48.4 million into troubled NovaStar Financial. Based in Kansas City, Mo., NovaStar specializes in single-family mortgages for borrowers who may have difficulty qualifying for loans under conventional standards. The agreement includes NovaStar’s board of directors being expanded from six to eight.

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

Chris Auto South Inc., 207 Main St., Agawam 01001. Mary Ellen Biscaldi, 115 Granville Road, Southwick 01077. Purchase, sale, and repair of used motor vehicles.

Gavel Homes Sales Inc., 13 Southbridge Dr., Agawam 01001. Michael Werman, 152 Whitaker Road, Westfield 01085. Real estate investment and sales.

AMHERST

Amherst Auto Express Inc., 118 South East St., Amherst 01002. Amir Mikhchi, 18 Foxglove Lane, Amherst 01002. To operate a motor vehicle repair business. sic

BRIMFIELD

Sharp Trucking Co. Inc., 52 East Hill Road, Brimfield 01010. Shane Michael Bravetti, same. Trucking company local freight delivery.

CHICOPEE

Sal’s Quality Stores Inc., 73 Oakwood St., Chicopee 01020. Shirley Lussier, same. E- commerce retail of general merchandise.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Cook Builders Supply Co. Inc., 6 Old Pasture Dr., East Longmeadow 01028. Michael J. Kane, same. Sales and leasing of building and landscaping supplies, materials, tools, etc.

FLORENCE

Therese Connor Nursing Education Inc., 7 Main St., 1st Floor Left, Florence 01062. Steven James Connor, 93 Allen St., Greenfield 01301. (Nonprofit) To provide scholarships to students pursing a nursing career and/or to already licensed nurses furthering their education, etc.

GRANVILLE

Home Improvement R Us Inc., 27 Blandford Road, Granville 01034. Scott A. Vogus, same. Home improvement, remodeling and construction.

HADLEY

Haber Brothers Inc., 47 Lawn St., Hadley 01075. James A. Haber, same. Road, bridge, site work, construction, etc.

HOLLAND

Cyber Forensics Security Investigation Inc., 293 Stafford Road, Holland 01521. Thomas Crouse, same. To provide security, forensic and investigative services for internet users, etc.

  

HOLYOKE

Sanctuary Animal Clinic Inc., 210 Linden St., Holyoke 01040. John Perdrizet, same. Veterinarian services.

HUBBARDSTON

Unique Materials Solutions Inc., 59 Brigham St., Hubbardston 01452. Thomas Colyer, same. Marketing representative for refractory materials.

LUDLOW

JOI Ride Limousine Service Inc., 58 Cady St., Ludlow 01056. Zorana L. Owens-Imbody, same. Limousine service.

MONTGOMERY

D & N Cormier Inc., 78 Pine Ridge Road, Montgomery 01085. Donald C. Cormier, same. Food service and real estate management.

NORTHAMPTON

Living City Properties Inc., 150 Main St., Suite 310, Northampton 01060. T. Wilson Flanders, 7 School St., Shelburne Falls 01370. Real estate ownership and management.

SPRINGFIELD

John B. Stewart, P.C., 126 Dwight Road, Springfield 01108. John B. Stewart, same. The general practice of law.

Top Notch Painters Plus Inc., 84 Commonwealth Ave., Apt. 1R, Springfield 01108. Kevin A. Stringer, same. Professional painting services, interior or exterior.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bertera Nissan Inc., 499 Riverdale St., West Springfield 01089. Aldo M. Bertera, 162 Forest Ridge Road, West Springfield 01089. The retail sale and service of new or used automobiles, trucks, etc.

Billy’s Malawi Project Inc., 152 Piper Road, West Springfield 01099. Timothy C. Allen, 141 Newton Road, Springfield 01118, (Nonprofit) To provide funds in support of the community of the Village of Cape Maclear (Chembe Village), Malawi, Africa, etc.

WILBRAHAM

Western Mass. Chapter of The Clinical Laboratory Management Association Inc., 111 Bartlett Ave., Wilbraham 01095. Beverly Miller, same. (Nonprofit) To empower laboratory professionals through forward-thinking education, networking and advocacy opportunities, etc.

By
Departments

Aldenville Credit Union has hired Diana M. Ramsey as Manager of its main office.

•••••

Deborah Falcon has been promoted to Vice President of Retail Banking at Greenfield Co-operative Bank.

•••••

A.G. Edwards & Sons Inc. has promoted Marianne D. Bannan to Senior Registered Financial Associate in its Springfield office.

•••••


Mark Matteson

Mark Matteson has been named Administrator of the Transitional Care Center at Holyoke Medical Center.

•••••

Tighe & Bond of Westfield has relocated environmental scientist Russell Fleury to its Worcester office to expand its offerings there. Fleury is certified as a Hazardous Materials Manager.

•••••

Karen Gaughan-Blake has joined the Westfield office of Carlson GMAC as an Agent.

•••••

Karen J. Buell is now a Mortgage Consultant with PeoplesBank. She joined the bank in 2006 and completed its management development program before becoming Assistant Branch Manager in East Longmeadow.

•••••

UMass Amherst announced the following:
• Max Page, Associate Professor in the Art Department, has been awarded a Howard Foundation fellowship for the 2007-08 academic year;
• Anna Nagurney, the John F. Smith Memorial Professor at the Isenberg School of Management, is one of five new fellows elected by the Regional Science Assoc. International;
• Michael J. Constantino, Assistant Professor of Psychology, has been selected to receive the American Psychological Foundation’s Division 29 (Psychotherapy) 2007 Early Career Award;
• John Clark, Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry in the department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, was elected a fellow of the American Chemical Society by the Division of Agrochemicals at the 233rd national meeting conducted this spring in Chicago;
• Susan Shapiro, Associate Professor in the department of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies, has been awarded the Master Visiting Professorship in Jewish Studies at the Pontifical Georgorian University in Rome, where she will teach ‘Post-Holocaust Philosophy and Theology’ during the spring 2008 semester;
• Mary Andrianopoulos, Associate Professor of Communication Disorders, gave an invited keynote address at the first annual Symposium on Voice and Swallowing and Their Disorders conducted this spring in Athens, Greece;
• Michael Carolan, a student in the school’s program for Poets and Writers, recently won second place in the Atlantic magazine’s writing contest, and
• Francoise N. Hamlin, Assistant Professor of History, was awarded the Charles Warren Faculty Fellowship in American History from Harvard University for the 2007-08 academic year.

•••••


Douglas K. Engebretson

Douglas K. Engebretson, FAIA, was recently elected President of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Engebretson is the President of Tessier Associates Inc. in Springfield.

•••••

The Bank of Western Massachusetts has promoted Brian C. Smith to Senior Vice President and Treasurer. Smith joined the bank in 1999.

•••••

Mark L. DeJackome has been promoted to Security Director for Holyoke Mall at Ingleside.

•••••

Keith McInnes has joined Savage Range Systems as Project Coordinator.

•••••

Greg Garabedian has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager for Charter Communications’ New England and New York operations. He will be headquartered in Worcester.

•••••

 


Cynthia R. Custeau

Neige D. White

Florence Savings Bank recently announced the following:
• Cynthia R. Custeau has been named Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager for the Granby office, and
• Neige D. White has been named Operations Risk/Security Officer.

•••••

The Northampton Veterans Administration Medical Center has announced the following:
• Dr. Gonzalo H. Vera Jr. has been appointed Service Line Manager for Mental Health, and
• Dr. Daniel Levy has been named Local Service Line Manager, Primary Care and Specialty and Acute Care.

The Sky’s the Limit at Westover

By
Opinion

It’s way, way too early to speculate about what the arrival of the low-fare airline Skybus at Westover Metropolitan Airport in Chicopee will mean for that facility, the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, and the Western Mass. business community as a whole. But at this early juncture, it all looks good — very good.

There is a buzz at the airport each evening just before 7, as the inbound flight from Columbus, Ohio arrives, carrying an average of about 100 passengers. These are, by and large, people who wouldn’t be coming into the Pioneer Valley otherwise. They are taking advantage of the carrier’s low fares (some tickets sell for as little as $10) to fly into a stop labeled ‘Hartford’ on the Skybus map of its routes.

Many of those arriving in Chicopee are moving on to other destinations — Boston, Cape Cod, Albany, and others — while some are making the Valley their destination, which means they’ll be spending some money here.

It will take several weeks or perhaps months or even a full year to gauge just how much they’re spending and what the overall impact from the one daily flight will be, but early returns show that people are renting cars, staying in area hotels, eating at local restaurants, and visiting area attractions. Skybus isn’t transforming the local economy, certainly, but all signs show that it will provide a needed boost in the form of both awareness and actual spending.

This is what Westover officials envisioned when they first sat down with Skybus administrators more than two years ago, but it took quite some time and considerable negotiations to make the vision reality.

The success of Southwest Airlines, among others, would certainly indicate that low-fare carriers make travel (or more travel) feasible for many people. Thus, they make the cities they fly to more accessible. Any time a region is more accessible, it benefits economically — if it is positioned to take full advantage of its opportunity.

And here, the Valley has some work to do. It needs to step up marketing efforts in Columbus and perhaps other cities served by Skybus to keep the region visible and plant the seeds for more visits. Meanwhile, all those involved with tourism and hospitality in this region have to work together to generate positive experiences for visitors, stays that will prompt them to return and also offer positive reviews that will prompt others to come here.

Overall, what people have to remember is that the current Skybus service is a start. Eventually, there could be a different flight, one departing earlier — thus giving passengers better odds of making connecting flights the same day — or two daily flights. And perhaps there could eventually be more low-fare airlines operating out of the airport.

This is a start — but a very solid start.-

WGGB Acquired by BusinessWest Publisher

On July 31, BusinessWest publisher John Gormally entered into an agreement with the Sinclair Broadcasting Group to acquire substantially all the assets of WGGB Channel 40 in Springfield for $21.2 million.

Gormally, who founded BusinessWest in 1984, has created Gormally Broadcasting LLC, a venture that will now make ABC40 the only locally owned television station in the Greater Springfield market.

“I’m very excited about the prospects of returning local ownership to Channel 40, which has been a Springfield-area institution for more than a half-century,” said Gormally. “I look forward to working with the staff at the station and members of this community to make Channel 40 an even greater asset to our region.”

The sale of the station is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2007.

OPINION

By
Opinion
Culture and History — a Platform for Growth

Springfield’s rich history, combined with the national surge in cultural tourism, can be a key element in the city’s economic renewal. Other Massachusetts cities using historical resources have successfully become tourist destinations: Salem explores its witchcraft trials; Lowell tells the human tale of its extensive mills.

Based on the recognition that historical assets are valuable for the economic future of communities, a new concept has emerged — cultural heritage tourism. The National Trust for Historic Preservation defines cultural heritage tourism as “traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present,” and notes that “cultural heritage travelers stay longer and spend more money than other kinds of travelers. Good cultural heritage tourism improves the quality of life for residents, as well as serving visitors.”

Springfield has many assets to support this kind of tourism — an abundance of architecturally and historically significant buildings, a wealth of famous individuals associated with the city, a rich storehouse of records and artifacts in museums and libraries. Moreover, many events from Springfield’s past illustrate major themes in American history:

  • Springfield, founded by puritans in 1636, was greatly damaged by the Wampanoag Confederation in 1675 during King Philip’s War;
  • Daniel Shays’ rebellion in 1787 demonstrated the need for a strong federal constitution, and propelled the convening of the Constitutional Convention;
  • The technological innovations developed at Springfield Armory spread in a precision manufacturing corridor from Vermont to Connecticut, and made possible the mass production of goods;
  • The courageous involvement of Springfield’s citizens in the anti-slavery movement made the city a significant stop for the Underground Railroad;
  • Automobiles, motorcycles, and airplanes were partially invented or popularized here;
  • Weapons developed at Springfield Armory contributed to the outcomes of the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
  • Springfield has already made a solid start in burnishing and presenting its past, through discovery tours, the growing Museum of Springfield History and the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, and other venues. However, more can and should be done to build Springfield into a major cultural destination.

To develop heritage tourism, the National Trust recommends that communities follow these principles:

  • Collaborate: Much more can be accomplished by working together than by working alone. Successful programs bring together partners who may not have worked together in the past;
  • Find the fit: Balancing the needs of residents and visitors is important to ensure that cultural heritage tourism benefits everyone. It is important to understand the kind and amount of tourism that a community can handle;
  • Make sites and programs come alive: Competition for time is fierce. To attract visitors, a community or region must be sure that the destination is worth the drive;
  • Focus on quality and authenticity: Quality is an essential ingredient for all cultural heritage tourism, and authenticity is critical whenever heritage or history is involved; and
  • Preserve and protect: A community’s cultural, historic, and natural resources are valuable and often irreplaceable.
    So, what are the next steps for Springfield?
  • Call together stakeholders to discuss the future of cultural heritage tourism in Springfield. Participants should include major institutional representatives and city officials, as well as other interested parties;
  • Take an inventory of the cultural and historical assets of the city — an important step necessary for further action. This inventory should be sent to the individuals and organizations of step one;
  • Examine successful cultural heritage efforts in small cities similar to Springfield. Much can be learned from their experiences; and
  • Develop a plan for collaboration and further activity. A critical issue will be leadership: who will provide that important ingredient that will lead to further progress?

Ira H. Rubenzahl is the president of Springfield Technical Community College;[email protected]; (413) 755-4424.

By
Departments

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

Adams, Stephen A.
Adams, Jennifer L.
a/k/a Ryznic, Jennifer L.
11 Elm St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/07

Bailey, Thomas C.
424 Elm St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/07

Barkyoumb, Timothy R.
Barkyoumb, Maria N.
73 Montgomery St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Beachman, Ronald Bruce
65 Prospect St.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Beals, Elliott
3 Mill St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Bernal, Mario Juan
101 High St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Bissonnette, Robert P.
Bissonnette, Carol Ann
115 Tavistock St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/06/07

Burdick, David M.
112 Main St., Apt G
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/07

Burgess, Kim J.
a/k/a Jones, Kim J.
12 West Laramee Green
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Carey, Christine Olive
8 Turnpike Road
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Carrano, Alfonso Raffaele
Carrano, Antonietta Anna
41 Birch Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/02/07

Circosta, Theresa R.
22 Primrose St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/02/07

Cote, Denise T.
43 Cyran St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Cruz, Dayssi Yanira
a/k/a Montpremier, Dayssi Y.
198 Harrington St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/07

Cullison, Kimberly A.
2018 Quabog St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Destromp, Ronald
Destromp, Ruth
423 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Douglas, Jill J.
145 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/07

Hall, Allison Lucille
a/k/a Gagne, Allison L.,
Hawley, Allison L.
118 Danforth Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Haller, Stephen Edward
Haller, Lisa Ann
a/k/a Booker, Lisa Ann
Accounting Advantage
35 Williams Street
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Heath, Paula M.
28 Thornfell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/07/07

Hohol, Laura Ann
19 Randall St.
Palmer, MA 01069-1327
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Holt, Todd T.
124 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/13/07

Joanides, Christos
Joanides, Laura
a/k/a Giroux, Laura M.
277 Southwick St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/03/07

Keiderling, Travis
160 Pont Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Kenney, Susan M.
72 Oak Ridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Laizer, Robert J.
62 Farnsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/03/07

Lamothe, Jeffrey J.
Lamothe, Jennifer G.
146 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Lapa, Jessica
140 Joy St.
Chciopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Larabee, Tammy Jean
216 Mohawk Forest
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/07

Lincoln, Sharon L.
92 Commercial St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/07

Lopez, Venancio
896 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

Mango, Richard P.
21 Brentwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108-3305
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/15/07

  

Martindale, Enid E.
a/k/a Bennett, Enid E.,
Clayton, Enid E.
11-15 Clantoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Maznick, Gary F.
23 Sherwin St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/14/07

McCann-Pawshuk, Joan M.
391 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Molina, Osvaldo
33 Mary St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Occusafe Inc.
135 Mountain View Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/07

O’Connor, Kathleen
24 Fairmont St.
Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Omerhi, Omote
133 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/14/07

Packard, Catherine M.
19 Anthony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/07

Pinkney, Barbara
87 Duryea St.
Springfield, MA 01104-3105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Prejsner, Thomas Eugene
179 Sandtrap Way
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/12/07

Rivera, Manuel P.
Rivera, Karen H.
61 O’Neil Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Robert, Chekovsky
Chick’s Carpentry
Chekovsky, Gail
143 Point Grove Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/03/07

Robinson, James Matthew
Robinson, Lisa A.
30 Vadnais Street
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/07

Roby, Jocelyn A.
557 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/07

Romboletti, Carl F.
CFR Jr Designs & Models
34 Dragon Hill Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/31/07

Rosa, Brenda L.
a/k/a Rosa-Delgado, Brenda Liz
28 Austin St.
2nd Floor, Left
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Rosa, Jose R.
68 Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Saydlowski, Paul J.
Saydlowski, Marie E.
23 Greenwich Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Selzo, Michele A
a/k/a Holbrook, Michele A.
2230 Main St.
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/12/07

Seymour, Cheryl Ann
77 Valley View Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/01/07

Sicard, Wendy
118 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Soto, William
76 Bliss St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Sullivan, Daniel G.
Sullivan, Leeann M.
95 Deer Run Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/11/07

Thompson, Darlene
64 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/14/07

Tucker, Carole F.
70 Mohawk Trail
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/12/07

Vega, Nestalz
19 Linden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/14/07

Walsh, Timothy M.
27 Wendell St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/05/07

Ware, Patricia A.
27 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/10/07

Webb, Luora Graves
207 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/01/07

Wells, Michelle
143 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/08/07

White, Mary E.
643 Newton St., #13
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/04/07

Winds Transportation Inc.
P.O. Box 181
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/08/07

By
Departments

The following Building Permits were issued during the month of June 2007.

AGAWAM

OMG Inc.
153 Bowles Road
$60,000 — 2,000-square-foot interior alterations

AMHERST

Amherst College Trustees
214 Main St.
$45,000 — Install a VESDA fire detection system

CHICOPEE

Avery Denison
One Better Way
$340,000 — Install eight overhead doors and nine lock levelers in existing building

CBL Management Inc.
601 Memorial Dr.
$2,000,000 — Renovation of Ocean State Job Lot

City of Chicopee
617 Montgomery St.
$150,000 — Construction of flagpole, equipment cabinets, and utility backboard on existing rooftop

Golden Mustard LLC
82 Rivers Ave.
$6,000 — Cut back roof overhang, remove front porch, and re-side existing

Golden Mustard LLC
88 Rivers Ave.
$6,000 — Cut back roof overhang, remove front porch, and re-side existing

Jeff Kozianowski
591 Memorial Dr.
$181,000 — Interior improvements to the Dollar Tree

M6 Limited Partnership
36 Johnny Cake Hollow Road
$70,000 — Remodel four guest rooms

Pasterczyk Welding Shop Inc.
1737 Donahue Road
$10,500 — Addition to existing building

EASTHAMPTON

Eastworks LLP
116 Pleasant St.
$44,000 — Masonry repair

Robert Sullivan
122 Pleasant St.
$14,000 — New roof

Will Bundy
116 Pleasant St.
$26,000 — Expansion of Blue Moon Deli

EAST LONGMEADOW

Redstone Rehabilitation
135 Benton Drroomive
$45,000 — Alteration to an oxygen storage at the nursing home

GREENFIELD

Franklin County Community Development Corporation
324 Wells St.
$7,000 — Construct metal stud partitions

Knickerbockers Realty, LLC
95 Davis St.
$2,400 — Strip south side roof and re-shingle

Richard M. Katz
5 Traver Court
$47,000 — Renovations on first floor

HADLEY

Anthony Gleason
10 South Maple St.
$6,000 — 12’ x 90’ overhang in front of building

LONGMEADOW

Interfaith Homes of Longmeadow
114 Emerson Road
$3,119,000 — Addition to elderly housing facility

  

Town of Longmeadow
34 Williams St.
$46,000 — Re-roof

LUDLOW

St. John the Baptist Church
201 Hubbard St.
$1,328,000 — New commercial construction

NORTHAMPTON

Billmar Corporation
330 North King St.
$3,354,000 – Construction of pre-engineered metal building

Coolidge Northampton LLC
243 King St.
$102,000 — Install roofing

Ethan Kramer
73 Bridge St.
$6,500 — Insulate and drywall basement walls

PVTA
1 Roundhouse Plaza
$6,500 — Install roofing

Smith College
25 Prospect St.
$110,000 — Remodel four bathrooms in Talbot House

Smith College
36 Bedford Terrace
$60,000 — Repair exterior siding and paint

Smith College
110 Elm St.
$3,378,000 — Renovations to Haven House

Smith College
College Lane
$572,000 — Renovations & additions to Chapin Dining Hall

Smith College
100 Green St.
$44,000,000 — Construction of new science and engineering building

Trident Realty Corporation
15 Hawley St.
$9,000 — Interior partitions

SOUTHWICK

T.J. Welch
622 College Highway
$ NA — Construction of office building and garage

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Health Inc.
89 Belmont St.
$35,000 — Interior renovations at My Sister’s House

Granite City Electric
95 Fisk Ave.
$38,000 — Interior renovations

Yukon Associates
95 Fisk Ave.
$432,000 — Addition of two handicap accessible bathrooms

WESTFIELD

DevCon Shop LLC
431 East Main St.
$61,000 — Commercial renovation

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Billie’s Cream Puffs
Eastern States Exposition
$2,500 — Addition of partition walls for storage

Steve O’Toole
425 Union St.
$22,000 — Renovation of existing commercial office

By
Departments

Westfield Bank Opens New Branch, Adds Sunday Hours

WESTFIELD — Westfield Bank has created an updated model for banking that now includes hours on Sunday. To unveil this new approach, a grand opening with a hometown vintage baseball theme took place June 25 – complete with hot dogs, raffle drawings, and an appearance by former New York Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. The new branch on East Main Street will be open seven days a week, with weekday hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Denise Begley will serve as the business development manager, while Stephanie Morales will be the new operations manager, and Mary Duclos will serve as the client relations manager.

Verizon Program Led by STCC Wins National Business Award

SPRINGFIELD — The Verizon/ CWA/IBEW Next Step Program, offered through 25 community colleges in New England and New York has won the Stevie® Award for ‘best human resources team in the 2007 American Business Awards. Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) is the lead college for the New England program, encompassing 10 colleges at 12 locations. The Next Step program, established in the mid-1990s through an agreement between Verizon (then NYNEX) and two of its principal unions, the Communications Workers of America, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, offers a specially-designed associate’s degree program in telecommunications technology for Verizon technicians. Hailed as “the business world’s own Oscars.” the American Business Awards are the only national, all-encompassing awards program honoring exceptional performance in business. Nicknamed the Stevies from the Greek word for crowned, the awards were presented on June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. STCC has been the lead college in the New England Next Step program since it was established in 1995.

Flexa Kids Furniture Available at Fly By Night

NORTHAMPTON — Fly By Night’s new showroom now includes a “store in a store” with Flexa Kids Furniture. Flexa is uniquely designed and engineered in Denmark, but made in America of solid wood, according to Fly By Night President Richard Zafft. The Flexa concept is popular in Europe, but relatively new to the United States. Toddlers go from the crib right into a Flexa bed. As children grow, the original bed can be raised up to provide storage below. As time passes, the bed can be raised up higher to provide a loft with a desk below or turned into a bunk bed for siblings or guests. Zafft explained that today’s parents want a comprehensive solution to a child’s room – efficient use of space with a lot of well-organized storage, nontoxic finishes and chemical-free mattresses, and the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances without having to throw away what they’ve already purchased.

Stevens Design Studio Launches Multichannel Marketing Institute

WESTFIELD — Stevens Design Studio is launching the Multichannel Marketing Institute to help businesses understand the new role of marketing in today’s economy. The growth of technology has substantially increased the communication channels that consumers have available when researching and purchasing products and services. The Multichannel Marketing Institute will assist businesses in operating and marketing in this new environment. The mission of the Multichannel Marketing Institute is to expand the understanding of multichannel marketing throughout the business community. It will enable businesses of all sizes, including business-to-consumer and business-to-business, to effectively utilize all pertinent channels for branding, marketing, and business growth. The institute will also provide educational opportunities through brand reviews, marketing audits, Web site assessments, seminars, workshops, case studies, and other means of exchanging information. It will bring together business owners, managers, entrepreneurs, marketing experts, and technology professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities of marketing in today’s competitive environment.

Big Y Awards More Than $200K in Scholarships

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y World Class Markets have selected more than 300 academically outstanding students from communities surrounding its stores to receive almost $250,000 in college scholarships for the 2007-2008 academic year. Unlike most area scholarships, the awards are based on academic merit, regardless of financial need. Awards are given to students in the categories of high school graduate, undergraduate, community college, graduate, and non-traditional. There is also a special category within the program that honors dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters. Scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 academic year will be available at all of Big Y’s 56 locations, including Table & Vine, from mid-October through January. Applications will also be available at school guidance offices within Big Y’s market area.