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Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton couple out $8,000 deposit after wedding venue closes
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hamilton couple will likely lose $8,000 deposit after wedding venue closes
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Hamilton Spectator
24-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Couple out thousands after wedding venues close, cancelling all events
Thomas Coleman and Alina Raposo have been counting down the days until their wedding reception at The Grand Olympia for more than a year. The Hamilton couple paid their $8,253 deposit, had a food tasting in March and hosted Raposo's bridal shower at the Stoney Creek venue in late April. Nothing seemed amiss. 'Everything just seemed so normal,' said Coleman in an interview, adding that they chatted with the venue about plans for the reception. 'No one seemed concerned.' Until last Friday, when Coleman and Raposo saw a post on Facebook about Orchard Park Secondary School students needing to book a new venue for their prom that night, as the parent company of The Grand Olympia, along with Michelangelo Banquet Centre, had gone into receivership . Both of the banquet centres shut down late last week , after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay debt. Michelangelo Banquet Centre and The Grand Olympia were shuttered indefinitely after Ontario's Superior Court of Justice denied a request from its owners for an extension to repay the debt. According to court records, the two banquet halls and their related companies are owned by a Mississauga-based family that owes more than $14 million to the Bank of Montreal, including around $8.2 million tied to Michelangelo and $6 million for Grand Olympia. Aftab Elahi, listed as the sole officer and director of Mario's Catering Service and Grand Olympia Realco, the parent companies of the banquet halls, did not respond to an email from The Spectator on Thursday requesting comment. Calls to both venues also went unanswered Thursday afternoon. The ripple effect has been considerable, with the indefinite closures affecting events booked by non-profits, industry groups, high school students and soon-to-be married couples, like Coleman and Raposo, whose reception was booked for June 21. Coleman told The Spectator he reached out to the venue on May 16, and the couple later received an email from management describing the situation as 'a period of operational transition,' adding that the venue was 'not in bankruptcy.' The email, shared with The Spectator, noted that the company was working to 'stabilize and strengthen' its services and to restore operations, with the 'goal of resuming all events at full capacity as soon as possible.' The couple also reached out to their event co-ordinator, and she repeated similar talking points. Coleman said they didn't hear from the venue again until Tuesday evening, when they got an email claiming the business was 'headed in the right direction' and 'on track to be back in operations soon.' But Coleman said that message contradicted what he'd heard from others about the situation with the venues, including when he reached out to MSI Spergel — who has been appointed as the receiver over both banquet halls. In an email, also shared with The Spectator, MSI Spergel told Coleman on Wednesday that all events at both venues 'are cancelled' — the first notification of such, not even from the venues. With their wedding reception just a month away, Coleman said the couple spent last weekend calling venues across Hamilton and as far away as Mississauga to try and rebook their event — and they weren't alone. Locks were placed on the gates of Michelangelo Banquet Hall last week after its parent company was put in receivership. 'Dates for June were booking up very quickly for people who were left scrambling,' Coleman said. 'It was a lot of pressure for people not wanting to hold out too long waiting, which could have meant potentially losing out on our date that we had.' Luckily, the couple was able to rebook their reception at Carmen's on Stone Church Road East, not far from their original venue, but still at a significant cost. Carmen's Group CEO PJ Mercanti told The Spectator their sales and operations team was working to accommodate events, including some planned for the weekend the venues shut down. Coleman explained that they will likely lose their $8,253 deposit paid for The Grand Olympia, and with some extra costs associated with Carmen's, the venue debacle will end up setting them back roughly $19,000. MSI Spergel also told Coleman in an email that 'currently there is no claims process,' noting that returns of deposits will be 'dependent on the net realizations under the Receivership and subject to evaluation of all claims, including claims of secured creditors and priorities at law.' 'That's a tough thing to swallow, especially four weeks before our wedding day,' said Coleman. But with their reception rebooked and only some administrative work to do with notifying guests and vendors, Coleman is hopeful the couple is back on the right track and can enjoy their day, despite the unexpected hurdles. 'Getting the new venue was the first kind of sigh of relief,' said Coleman. 'Obviously, there is still the financial thing, but we just have to keep pushing forward.'
Boston Globe
26-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
As the Taunton softball dynasty rolls on, senior Cate Larson steps into starring roll
But Larson isn't just the next pitcher up. She's a budding ace herself. Already committed to Georgetown, the flamethrower was called up to varsity as an eighth-grader. She played behind to Liv Mendonca (Bridgewater State) and Lincoln, providing steady relief or a spot start. Now, it's her team. 'I was hoping for but also expecting a role like that,' said Larson. 'It's definitely something to smile about when you look back on your day.' Advertisement Larson has worked diligently to hone her command and improve her spin rates. She's able to fire a full arsenal on both sides of the plate. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'She's always had really good command,' said Taunton coach Michelle Raposo . 'The spin on her ball, she worked really hard on increasing her velocity. Her change up is really good. 'She's ready to perform for her team and battle for her team,' added Raposo. 'I couldn't ask for a better player to step up.' Cate Larson, committed to Georgetown, will take over in the circle for Taunton this spring. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Larson, alongside Providence-bound shortstop Brooke Aldrich , will captain the top-ranked Tigers, who return eight starters from last spring's undefeated season. 'She's one of my best friends,' said Aldrich. 'We've grown up our whole lives together, played softball together since we were 7 years old. It's kind of surreal in a way.' Related : Larson, who first picked up a softball at 6 years old and began pitching at 9, serves as a pitching coach for youth softball players, working regularly with a handful of elementary-age kids. It's a full circle moment for Larson, who sees herself in those that she mentors. Her pupils aren't the only ones learning; Larson finds the experience rewarding, as well. 'Once I'm able to teach someone else how to pitch and how to be more confident, I'm learning more myself,' she said. Advertisement Taunton will be counting on sophomore catcher Aniyah Bailey to contribute this season. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Larson will be buoyed by a ferocious Tigers lineup headlined by Aldrich, sophomore catcher Aniyah Bailey , and sophomore third baseman Bella Bourque . Bailey and Bourque put the bat on the ball and possess plus power. They are the backbone of a lineup which features junior speedster Mia Torres and junior Gracie Oliveira , who is committed to Maine. Despite eight starters returning, 41 tried out for the Taunton team. For a team steeped in success, the next wave of great players roll through the youth program. 'The camaraderie of softball in our city is huge,' said Raposo. 'There's still that huge group of girls that come out to play together. Forming those bonds at a young age, going through all of those trials and tribulations, coming out to a school with an elite program.' Once in the program, leadership takes care of itself. The younger players observe how the upperclassmen go about their business and follow suit. 'They lead by example,' said Raposo. 'They're in the weight room in the offseason. They're out hitting every day. You see their presence and you see them working every day.' It's a tried and true formula, and it's led to a lot of hardware in Taunton. Michelle Raposo is entering her third season as Taunton softball coach. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Extra bases ▪ After falling short in the 'After we took that next step, everyone in the [Cape Ann League] knew that you were good,' said Georgetown coach Jay Santomassino . 'Now, everyone in the state knows that you are good. You guys are going to get everyone's top game, top pitcher.' Advertisement Junior Maddie Grant assumes duties once again in the circle. The Royals might have been ahead of schedule last season, but they have recalibrated expectations and loaded up with a daunting schedule. 'We expect to be there again this year and next year, but it's not going to be easy,' said Santomassino. 'It's going to take everyone, and everyone supporting each other.' ▪ Needing to fill spots in the starting lineup, Methuen does not enjoy the same luxury of starting on second base. Four seniors graduated to the college ranks, a testament to the Rangers' talent. Now, senior second baseman Bella Medeiros , senior first baseman Colleen McNamara , and junior outfielder Adriana Delaney take the reins. 'I'm looking to them to show the younger kids the Ranger way, the way it's been done the past 10 years or so,' said Methuen coach Jason Smith . 'We've been fortunate enough to enjoy success over the past couple of years.' Sophomore Arianna Marchand takes over in the circle after getting plenty of experience on JV last season. Freshmen Addie Campbell , Ainsley Low , Ava Nartiff , and Samantha Chalupa will be counted on to make an impact. The team has gotten off on the right foot, as many played on the basketball team, which Medeiros captained this winter. 'That has carried over into the softball season,' said Smith. 'They already came together as a group and helped work the youth tryouts, in the cage and with fly balls for their evaluation.' Cam Kerry can be reached at
