The opinion
STATE OF MAINE SUPERIOR COURT
KENNEBEC, SS. CIVIL ACTION
DOCKET NO. CV-20-91
EYE CARE OF MAINE, P.A.,
Plaintiff
DECISION AND ORDER ON
v. MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
HELEN BELL-NECEVSKI
and
LORIE PARKS,
Defendants
INTRODUCTION
The matter before the court is the Motion for Summary Judgment filed by
Defendants Helen Bell-Necevski (Bell-Necevski) and Lorie Parks (Parks). The
Plaintiff, Eye Care of Maine, P.A. (ECOM) opposes the motion.
ECOM commenced this action on June 22, 2020, with the filing of a Verified
Complaint and Motion for Preliminary and Permanent Injunction against Bell
Necevski and Parks, both of whom are optometrists who had been employed at
ECOM (and its predecessor entity, Maine Eye Care Associates {MECA}) for many
years until their termination effective June 30, 2020. Bell-Necevski and Parks were
planning to open their own optometry practice on July 1, 2020, approximately one
mile away from ECOM's place of business in Waterville and in direct competition
with ECOM. ECOM alleges that Bell-Necevski and Parks were, and are, in violation
of their employment contracts, which contained a non-compete provision prohibiting
them from practicing optometry within a 30-mile radius of any ECOM office for a
period of 18 months from the date of termination. Both Bell-Necevsk and Parks
contend that their employment contracts with ECOM were superseded by new
contracts signed in 2013 that did not contain a non-competition provision.
On June 26, 2020, the court granted ECOM's request for an expedited hearing
on its' motion for a temporary restraining order to prevent Bell-Necevski and Parks
from opening their competing optometry practice. The expedited hearing was held
remotely on June 30, 2020, and the court issued its order denying the requested TRO
the same day.
ECOM's original complaint was brought in two counts, one for breach of
contract and the other seeking injunctive relief. Bell-Necevski and Parks filed timely
answers to the complaint and each asserted counterclaims against ECOM for breach
of contract.
ECOM subsequently moved to amend its complaint to add a second breach of
contract count (Count III). That motion was granted without objection on March 11,
2021. Count I of the amended complaint alleges that Bell-Necevski and Parks
breached their employment contracts with ECOM by engaging in the practice of
optometry in violation of the non-competition clauses in their respective contracts.
Count II seeks injunctive relief to enforce the non-compete provision. Count III
alleges that Bell-Necevski and Parks breached their employment contracts with
ECOM by engaging in conduct, during the terms of their employment, that violated
the "duty of loyalty" clauses in their contracts. Bell-Necevski and Parks filed timely
amended answers.
On September 2, 2021, Bell-Necevski and Parks moved for summary judgment
on all counts of ECOM' s amended complaint. ECOM has opposed the motion for
summary judgment. The summary judgment record was closed on December 8,
2021, with the filing by Bell-Necevski and Parks of their reply to ECOM's
opposition.
2
LEGAL STANDARD
Summary judgment is appropriate if, based on the parties' statements of
material fact and the cited record, there is no genuine issue of material fact, and the
moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. M.R. Civ. P. 56(c); Levine
v. R.B.K. Caty Corp., 2001 ME 77, 14, 770 A.2d 653. It follows that to survive a
moving party's motion for summary judgment, the non-moving party must establish
a prima facie case for each of their claims and set forth specific facts showing there
is a genuine issue of material fact. Key Trust Co. ofMaine v. Nasson College, 1997
ME 145, , 10, 697 A.2d 408; see also M.R. Civ. P. 56(e). As the Law Court has
recently stated: when a defendant moves for summary judgment, the defendant has
the burden of demonstrating "that there is no genuine issue of material fact and that
the undisputed facts" entitle the defendant to judgment as a matter of law. Toto v.
Knowles, 2021 ME 51, 19. It then becomes the plaintiffs responsibility to make out
a prima facie case and show that there are disputed facts. Id. A fact is material if it
has the potential to affect the outcome of the suit. Id. To be considered "genuine,"
there must be sufficient evidence offered to raise a factual contest requiring a fact
finder to choose between competing versions of the truth. Rainey v. Langden, 2010
ME 56,, 23, 998 A.2d 342; Burdzel v. Sobus, 2000 ME 84, 16, 750 A.2d 573. Further,
this showing "requires more than effusive rhetoric and optimistic surmise." Hennessy
v. City of Melrose, 194 F.3d 237, 251 (1st Cir. 1999). The Court must ignore
"conclusory allegations, improbable inferences, and unsupported speculation."
Carroll v. Xerox Corp., 294 F.3d 231, 237 (1st Cir. 2002). "Evidence 'submitted in
opposition to summary judgment[] need not be persuasive at that stage,' but it 'must
be sufficient to allow a fact-finder to make a factual determination without
speculating.'" Toto v. Knowles, 2021 ME 51,111, citing and quoting Est. ofSmith,
2013 ME 13, 118, 60 A.3d 759.
3
FACTS
The following facts are drawn from the parties' statements of material fact,
viewed in the light most favorable to ECOM as the nonmoving party. Kurtz & Perry,
P.A. v. Emerson, 2010 ME 107, ,r 15, 8 A.3d 677. As a preliminary matter, Bell
Necevski and Parks have submitted objections to several of the responses made by
ECOM to their statements of material fact. The court will address the objections as
necessary in the context of determining what material facts are undisputed, and what
material facts have been properly controverted. M.R.Civ.P. 56(h)(4) & (i)(l).
Bell-Necevski is an optometrist who was employed by MECA beginning in
1994. Parks is an optometrist who was employed by MECA beginning in 2000. In
2013, MECA merged with Eye Center of Central Maine and became ECOM. Bell
Necevski and Parks continued to work for ECOM until their terminations in 2020.
Although she does not recall signing an Employment Agreement in 2003, and
no signed copy has been produced to the court, Bell-Necevski acknowledges that she
worked for MECA "with the understanding I was subject to a non-competition
agreement." The unsigned Employment Agreement dated February 1, 2003, and
marked Exhibit A to Bell-Necevski's Affidavit, contains several "Whereas" clauses
at the beginning of the agreement, one of which states: "WHEREAS, the Corporation
has agreed to employ the Doctor subject to the express condition that the Doctor enter
into a noncompetition agreement with the Corporation." Paragraph l l(a) of this
Employment Agreement of February 1, 2003, provides:
(a)Doctor's Covenants. As an inducement to cause the
Corporation to enter into this Agreement, the Doctor hereby
expressly covenants, which covenant is a material provision of
this Agreement that in the event the Doctor ceases to be
employed by the Corporation for any reason (including, but
not limited to, termination by either party with or without
4
cause), either during the term of this Agreement or thereafter,
she shall not, for herself or on behalf of any other person,
partnership, corporation, association or any other entity,
directly or indirectly practice optometry within a radius of
thirty (30) miles of any office of the Corporation for a period
of eighteen ( 18) months from the date of termination or
dismissal.
Other provisions in paragraph 11 provided for the parties' acknowledgement
that the "restrictive covenant" is reasonable and enforceable and established a
mechanism for calculating liquidated damages.
Bell-Necevski's unsigned Employment Agreement dated February 1, 2003,
also contained a paragraph 8(a), which has been referred to as the "Duty of Loyalty."
It states:
(a) Duties and Outside Employment. The Doctor shall devote her
full time and best efforts to the performance of her
employment duties under this Agreement. During the term of
this Agreement, the Doctor shall not at any time or place,
either directly or indirectly, whether alone or as a partner, an
officer, a director, an employee, or in any other capacity,
engage in the practice of optometry or engage in any activity
competitive with, or adverse to, the Corporation and all fees
and other income arising out of the practice of optometry by
the Doctor shall belong to the Corporation, including, without
limitation, speaking honoraria, teaching stipends, expert
witness fees, consulting fees, supervisory fees, publication
royalties, or other payments to the Doctor for the provision
during the term of this Agreement of educational, supervisory
or professional services arising out of or related to the Doctor's
professional status and actions.
A signed Employment Agreement dated February 18, 2003, between MECA
and Parks contains a "WHEREAS" clause referring to a noncompetition agreement
and paragraphs 11 and 8(a), that are identical to what appears in Bell-Necevski's
5
February 1, 2003 Employment Agreement. The 2003 Employment Agreement for
Parks was signed by her and by Ronald Purnell, as the Administrator of MECA.
Mr. Purnell figures prominently in this litigation. There is dispute between the
parties as to the exact extent of Purnell' s authority to negotiate and execute
employment contracts on behalf ofMECA and later, ECOM. For example, ECOM
has denied that Purnell's job responsibilities as "Practice Administrator" for MECA
and ECOM extended "to negotiating or executing contracts with optometrists."
(SMF # 16). Nevertheless, ECOM has admitted that Purnell "was authorized to
execute and executed all of the employment agreements with optometrists during his
employment both before and after the 2013 employment agreements with Dr. Bell
Necevski and Dr. Lorie Parks ...." (SMF # 17).
Bell-Necevski and Parks have objected to ECOM's denial of SMF # 16 and
argue that it should be deemed admitted (because not properly controverted), given
ECOM's admission to SMF # 17. In the court's view, this apparent discrepancy can
be explained by considering Dr. Steven Witkin's position that Purnell's authority to
negotiate and execute employment agreements with optometrists at MECA and
ECOM flowed from the Board of Directors and "[e]very single contract was
discussed prior to being presented." (Witkin Depo at 75). In other words, ECOM's
position is that Purnell did not have independent authority to negotiate and execute
employment contracts but had such authority if approved by the Board. With this
understanding, the court overrules the objection to SMF # 16.
It is admitted between the parties that in 2013, Dr. Witkin, as the owner of
MECA, was considering bringing into the practice two other doctors, and that he met
with Bell-Necevski and asked her opinion of the idea. (SMF # 5). The parties,
however, dispute what was said at that meeting. Bell-Necevski contends that she told
Dr. Witkin that she was concerned that "she could be terminated and would still be
6
subject to the non-compete agreement." (SMF # 6). ECOM disputes this,
maintaining that Bell-Neceski did not have "a strong reaction to it [the merger] one
way or the other." (Witkin Depo. at 63). ECOM agrees that Purnell and Bell
Necevski "had a meeting following a meeting related to the merger." Further, ECOM
does not dispute that at that meeting, Purnell "expressed concerns about her [Bell
Necevski' s] future with the corporation." (SMF # 7). ECOM does dispute, however,
that at that meeting with Purnell, Bell-Necevski "raised an issue with the non
compete clause in her contract."
The parties further dispute that Purnell then met with Dr. Witkin and was
instructed by him "to remove the non-compete language from the optometrists'
employment agreements." (SMF # 8). ECOM, through Witkin, maintains that "[t]his
meeting did not occur."
A major point of contention between the parties is what is alleged to have
happened next. Bell-Necevski and Parks assert that on September 27, 2013, Purnell
presented each of them with a new employment agreement, in which the
noncompetition provision (,r 11) had been removed, telling each of them that Dr.
Witkin had directed him to remove that section of the prior employment contract.
Bell-Necevski and Parks signed their respective agreements as did Purnell as
MECA's Administrator. Bell-Necevski and Parks assert that they "believed Ron
Purnell was authorized to sign the employment agreement[s] on behalf of MECA."
(SMF Nos. 9, 10 & 11).
ECOM responded to these assertions by first acknowledging that the
employment agreements are dated September 27, 2013, and bear the signatures of
Bell-Necevski, Parks and Purnell. But ECOM denies that the 2013 agreements were
"actually executed" on September 27, 2013. In support of this opposition statement
ECOM cites an incident that took place in the middle of November 2013, when
7
ECOM's attorney, Norman Belanger, Esq., requested Purnell to provide him with a
"recent" employment contract for an optometrist. ECOM contends that the email
communications between the two men can be read as showing that Purnell referred
to the employment contracts for Bell-Necevski and Parks that contained the
noncompetition provision, rather than the most recent contracts allegedly executed
on September 27, 2013.
In addition, ECOM points to the deposition testimony of Arthur Geary, who
joined ECOM in April 2020 as its CEO, and who described searching for the 2013
employment agreements while Purnell was on vacation and not being able to find
them where they should have been kept. ECOM alleges: "The 2013 Employment
Agreements appeared mysteriously several days after they were requested."
ECOM further asserts that Purnell testified that the 2013 employment
agreements would have been uploaded around the time they were signed in 2013, but
according to Geary and Witkin on behalf of ECOM, the actual uploading of the
documents did not occur until June 30, 2016, and February 11, 2020. ECOM denies
that the 2013 employment agreements, signed by Purnell, Bell-Necevski and Parks,
"were drafted by MECA, authorized by MECA, or were done with l\1ECA' s
knowledge."
With respect to the assertions in SMF Nos. 9 and 10 that Bell-Necevski and
Parks "believed Ron Purnell was authorized to sign the employment agreement[ s] on
behalf of MECA," ECOM has objected on the ground that it "draws a legal
conclusion related to the actual or apparent authority of Ron Purnell to sign
employment agreement on behalf of Plaintiff [MECA/ECOM]." Bell-Necevski and
Parks, for their part, have objected to ECOM's response to SMF Nos. 9 and 10 on the
basis that whether they believed Purnell had the authority to execute their 2013
8
agreements is not a legal conclusion, but is a factual assertion that must be treated as
admitted because it has not been properly controverted.
The court is not convinced that the statement that Bell-Necevski and Parks
believed Purnell was authorized to sign the 2013 agreements with them on behalf of
MECA/ECOM is a legal conclusion as opposed to a statement of fact. The difficulty
with such a statement, of course, is that it purports to reflect a person's state of mind
at a particular point in time in the past and direct evidence to dispute that state of
mind rarely exists. What ECOM has sought to do is challenge the legitimacy of the
2013 agreements by pointing to circumstantial evidence intended to dispute the
veracity and reliability of their creation and, indirectly, to raise a question of fact as
to whether Bell-Necevski and Parks actually or honestly believed that Purnell was
authorized to act as he did.
The court overrules the objection of Bell-Necevski and Parks that ECOM has
not properly controverted SMF Nos. 9 and 10. The circumstances surrounding the
creation and execution of the 2013 employment agreements are, for all practical
purposes, the only way ECOM can controvert those statements of belief on the part
ofBell-Necevski and Parks.
It is undisputed that the 2013 employment agreements, like the 2003
agreements, contain: (1) the "WHEREAS" clause referring to a non-competition
agreement as an "express condition" of the employment contract, and (2) the duty of
loyalty provision, which appears in the 2013 agreements as ,r 6. It is also undisputed
that Bell-Necevski and Parks continued to be employed as optometrists with ECOM
until June 30, 2020. On July 1, 2020, Bell-Necevski and Parks opened an optometry
practice, Maine Eye Doctors, in Waterville, approximately 1 mile from ECOM' s
office.
9
There are numerous disputes between the parties, and numerous objections as
well by Bell-Necevski and Parks, focusing on the alleged conduct of Bell-Necevski
and Parks during the last 3 or 4 months of their employment with ECOM. Those
disputes are directed at whether Bell-Necevski and Parks violated the duty of loyalty
provision in their employment contracts, either the 2003 or the 2013 agreements.
DISCUSSION
Bell-Necevski and Parks contend that they are entitled to summary judgment
on Count I of the Amended Complaint because Ron Purnell, as the Practice
Administrator of MECA/ECOM, had, at the very least, "apparent authority" to
execute the 2013 employment agreements from which the noncompetition provisions
had been deleted. As applied to this case, the law of apparent authority is described
below.
A claim of apparent authority is proved by the following
elements: "( 1) [MECA/ECOM] either intentionally or negligently held
out a person [Purnell] as [its] agent, (2) [Bell-Necevski and Parks] did
in fact believe [Purnell] to be an agent of [MECA/ECOM], (3) [Bell
Necevski and Parks] relied on [MECA/ECOM's] manifestation of
agency, and (4) [Bell-Necevski's and Parks's] reliance was justifiable."
Apparent authority is authority that, although not actually granted, the
principal knowingly permits the agent to exercise or that the principal
holds the agent out as possessing. Apparent authority exists only when
the conduct of the principal leads a third party to believe that a given
party is the principal's agent.
Remmes v. Mark Travel Corp., 2015 ME 63, ,r 22, 116 A.3d 466 (citations omitted).
It has also been held that "[w]hether an agency relationship exists is generally
a question of fact ...." Steelstone Indus. v. North Ridge Ltd. Pshp., 1999 ME 132,
,r 12, 735 A.2d 980. Similarly, "[t]he existence and extent of apparent authority and
the reliance thereon, are facts to be determined ... by a jury ...." MacQuinn v.
Patterson, 147 Me. 196, 85 A.2d 183,203 (1951).
10
The court concludes that summary judgment is not proper as to Count I because
there remain genuine issues of material fact in dispute. These include what Dr.
Witkin did "by written or spoken words or any other conduct" which, "reasonably
interpreted," caused Bell-Necevski and Parks to believe that Witkin had consented to
having Purnell alter the 2013 employment agreements to remove the noncompetition
language. Steelstone Indus. v. North Ridge Ltd. Pshp., 1999 ME 132, ,r 13, quoting
RESTATEMENT (SECOND) OF AGENCY § 27 (1958). Witkin has denied
discussing this issue with either Bell-Necevski or Purnell. The circumstances of the
creation of the 2013 agreements raise issues of fact that a jury must decide, not the
court by way of summary judgment.
Regarding Count III and the claim that Bell-Necevski and Parks violated the
duty ofloyalty during their terms of employment with ECOM, it strikes the court that
it cannot make a finding, as a matter of law, whether the actions of Bell-Necevski
and Parks were merely in preparation to compete once their employment ended, or
whether their actions and the surrounding circumstances crossed a line and were
"adverse" to their employer, ECOM, within the meaning of the employment
agreements. There is evidence in the summary judgment record that Bell-Necevski
and Parks were making plans to open their competing practice once their employment
with ECOM ended on June 30, 2020. This included incorporation of a business,
applying for a national provider identity number, acquiring real estate for the
business, meeting with one of ECOM's competitors to potentially purchase the
practice and, purchasing supplies, furniture, and frames. There are also factual
allegations raised by ECOM that Bell-Necevski and Parks met with employees of
ECOM and communicated with patients of ECOM during this period. ECOM has
alleged that impermissible solicitation ofECOM' s patients and employees was taking
place while Bell-Necevski and Parks were still employed at ECOM. Bell-Necevski
and Parks have denied those allegations and contend that no solicitation of employees
11
or patients took place, and that any communications with either patients or employees
were not initialed by them. In the court's view, this illustrates that there is a factual
dispute that cannot and should not be resolved on summary judgment, particularly
since the meaning of the "duty of loyalty" provision in either the 2003 or 2013
employment agreements may be viewed as ambiguous and, thus, a question of fact.
CONCLUSION
The entry is:
The Defendants' Motion for Summary Judgment is DENIED.
The clerk is directed to incorporate these orders into the civil docket of this
case by notation reference in accordance with M.R.Civ.P. 79(a).
DATED: February 2, 2022
Justice, Maine Superior Court
12
EYECARE OF MAINE PA - PLAINTIFF SUPERIOR COURT
325-A KENNEDY MEMORIAL DRIVE KENNEBEC, ss.
WATERVILLE ME 04901 Docket No AUGSC-CV-2020-00091
Attorney for: EYECARE OF MAINE PA
WALTER MCKEE - RETAINED
MCKEE LAW LLC PA DOCKET RECORD
133 STATE STREET
AUGUSTA ME 04330
vs
HELEN BELL NECEVSKI - DEFENDANT
Attorney for: HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
WILLIAM LEE - RETAINED
O'DONNELL & LEE LLC
112 SILVER STREET
PO BOX 559
WATERVILLE ME 04903-0559
LORIE PARKS - DEFENDANT
A ttorney for: LORIE PARKS
ROGER KATZ - RETAINED
LIPMAN, KATZ & BOSTON LLC
PO BOX 815
AUGUSTA ME 04332
Filing Document: COMPLAINT Minor Case Type: CONTRACT
F iling Date : 06/22/2020
D ocket Events:
0 6/22/2020 FILING DOCUMENT - COMPLAINT FILED ON 06/22/2020
0 6/22/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
ATTORNEY - RETAINED ENTERED ON 06/22/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
0 6/22/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - TEMP RESTRAINING ORDER FILED ON 06/22/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
WITH MEMORANDUM OF LAW, DRAFT ORDER, NOTICE OF HEARING
0 6/22/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - REQUEST FOR HEARING FILED ON 06/22/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
FOR EMERGENCY HEARING ON MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
0 6/30/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - AFFIDAVIT FILED ON 06/26/2020
AFFIDAVIT OF STEVE WITKIN
0 6/30/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - AFFIDAVIT FILED ON 06/26/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
Page 1 of 7 Printed on : 02/03/2022
AUGSC-CV-2020-00091
DOCKET RECORD
AFFIDAVIT OF ARTHUR GEARY
06/30/2020 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
SUMMONS/SERVICE - CIVIL SUMMONS SERVED ON 06/26/2020
HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
06/30/2020 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
SUMMONS/SERVICE - CIVIL SUMMONS FILED ON 06/29/2020
06/30/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
SUMMONS/SERVICE - CIVIL SUMMONS SERVED ON 06/23/2020
LORIE PARKS
06/30/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
SUMMONS/SERVICE - CIVIL SUMMONS FILED ON 06/29/2020
06/30/2020 Party{s): LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - ENTRY OF APPEARANCE FILED ON 06/29/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
06/30/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
ATTORNEY - RETAINED ENTERED ON 06/29/2020
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
06/30/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - AFFIDAVIT FILED ON 06/29/2020
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
AFFIDAVIT OF LORIE PARKS WITH EXHIBITS
A-E
06/30/2020 Party{s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
OTHER FILING - OPPOSING MEMORANDUM FILED ON 06/29/2020
RESPONSE TO PLTFS MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER WITH AFFIDAVIT
OF RONALD PURNELL AND HELEN BELL-NECEVSKI
06/30/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - REPLY MEMORANDUM FILED ON 06/30/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
REPLY TO DEFTS OPPOSITION TO MOTION FOR TRO
06/30/2020 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
ATTORNEY - RETAINED ENTERED ON 06/28/2020
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
06/30/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - TEMP RESTRAINING ORDER DENIED ON 06/30/2020
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL
07/15/2020 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
RESPONSIVE PLEADING - ANSWER & COUNTERCLAIM FILED ON 07/15/2020
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
Page 2 of 7 Printed on: 02/03/2022
AUGSC-CV-2020-00091
DOCKET RECORD
07/21/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
RESPONSIVE PLEADING - ANSWER & COUNTERCLAIM FILED ON 07/16/2020
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
08/03/2020 ORDER - SCHEDULING ORDER ENTERED ON 08/03/2020
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
ORDERED INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AT THE SPECIFIC DIRECTION OF THE COURT. COPIES TO
PARTIES/COUNSEL
08/03/2020 DISCOVERY FILING - DISCOVERY DEADLINE ENTERED ON 04/03/2021
08/03/2020 ASSIGNMENT - SINGLE JUDGE/JUSTICE ASSIGNED TO JUSTICE ON 08/03/2020
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
10/09/2020 Party(s}: EYECARE OF MAINE PA
ADR - NOTICE OF ADR PROCESS/NEUTRAL FILED ON 10/08/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
MEDIATION WILL BE WITH JERROLL CROUTER ON 12/3/20
11/10/2020 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - OTHER DOCUMENT FILED ON 11/09/2020
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
NOTICE TO TAKE ORAL DEPOSITION OF STEVEN WITKIN MD
12/14/2020 Party(s}: EYECARE OF MAINE PA
ADR - NOTICE OF ADR PROCESS/NEUTRAL FILED ON 12/07/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
MEDIATION HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO 1/22/21 WITH JERROLL CROUTER
12/16/2020 Party(s}: EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION TO AMEND PLEADING FILED ON 12/14/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
TO AMEND ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM
12/16/2020 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION TO AMEND PLEADING FILED ON 12/14/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
TO AMEND COMPLAINT
01/04/2021 Party(s}: HELEN BELL NECEVSKI,LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - OTHER DOCUMENT FILED ON 12/28/2020
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
OBJECTIONS TO INSPECTION OR COPYING OF DOCUMENTS
01/04/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
OTHER FILING - OPPOSING MEMORANDUM FILED ON 01/04/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
RESPONSE TO PLTFS MOTION TO AMEND COMPLAINT AND ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM WITH AFFIDAVIT
AND EXHIBITS
01/25/2021 Party(s}: LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - REPLY MEMORANDUM FILED ON 01/11/2021
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
Page 3 of 7 Printed on: 02/03/2022
AUGSC-CV-2020-00091
DOCKET RECORD
RESPONSE FOR PLTFS MOTION TO AMEND COMPLAINT AND AMEND ANSWER TO COUNTER CLAIM
DEFT LORI PARKS ADOPTS IN FULL
THE RESPONSE OF DEFT HELEN BELL-NECEGVSKI TO PLTFS MOTION TO AMEND COMPLAINT AND TO
AMEND ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM
01/25/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - REPLY MEMORANDUM FILED ON 01/13/2021
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
PLTFS REPLY TO DEFTS OBJECTION TO MOTION TO AMEND COMPLAINT AND AMEND ANSWER TO
COUNTERCLAIM
02/12/2021 ORDER - REPORT OF ADR CONF/ORDER FILED ON 02/11/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
02/12/2021 ORDER - REPORT OF ADR CONF/ORDER UNRESOLVED ON 01/22/2021
02/12/2021 ORDER - REPORT OF ADR CONF/ORDER ENTERED ON 02/12/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
ORDERED INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AT THE SPECIFIC DIRECTION OF THE COURT . COPIES TO
PARTIES/COUNSEL
03/02/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME FILED ON 02/25/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
TO ENLARGE DISCOVERY DEADLINE
03/15/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME GRANTED ON 03/02/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL DISCOVERY
DEADLINE EXTENDED BY 90 DAYS
03/15/2021 DISCOVERY FILING - DISCOVERY DEADLINE ENTERED ON 06/02/2021
03/15/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION TO AMEND PLEADING GRANTED ON 03/11/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL
03/15/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION TO AMEND PLEADING GRANTED ON 03/11/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL
03/15/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
RESPONSIVE PLEADING - REPLY/ANSWER TO COUNTERCLAIM AMENDED ON 12/14/2020
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
03/15/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
SUPPLEMENTAL FILING - AMENDED COMPLAINT FILED ON 12/14/2020
04/05/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
RESPONSIVE PLEADING - ANSWER TO AMENDED PLEADING FILED ON 04/01/2021
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Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
04/05/2021 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
RESPONSIVE PLEADING - ANSWER TO AMENDED PLEADING FILED ON 04/01/2021
Defendant's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
04/26/2021 Party(s}: EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - WITNESS & EXHIBIT LIST FILED ON 04/23/2021
04/26/2021 OTHER FILING - STATEMENT OF TIME FOR TRIAL FILED ON 04/23/2021
05/24/2021 Party(s}: HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION EXTEND DISCOVERY FILED ON 05/24/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
WITH MEMORANDUM OF LAW, DRAFT ORDER, NOTICE OF HEARING
05/25/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION EXTEND DISCOVERY GRANTED ON 05/24/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL
05/25/2021 DISCOVERY FILING - DISCOVERY DEADLINE ENTERED ON 08/27/2021
06/16/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
DISCOVERY FILING - RULE 26(G) LETTER FILED ON 06/11/2021
09/08/2021. Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI,LORIE PARKS
MOTION - MOTION SUMMARY JUDGMENT FILED ON 09/02/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
WITH MEMORANDUM OF LAW, DRAFT ORDER, NOTICE OF HEARING WITH NUMEROUS
AFFIDAVITS AND TRANSCRIPTS
09/15/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
OTHER FILING - WITNESS & EXHIBIT LIST FILED ON 09/13/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
09/15/2021 OTHER FILING - STATEMENT OF TIME FOR TRIAL FILED ON 09/13/2021
09/27/2021 Party(s): LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - WITNESS & EXHIBIT LIST FILED ON 09/17/2021
De.fendant 's Attorney: ROGER KATZ
09/27/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME FILED ON 09/20/2021
Plainti£f's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
TO ENLARGE TIME TO RESPOND TO MOTION FOR SJ
09/28/2021 Par tyls): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME GRANTED ON 09/27/2021
WILL!AM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/C00NSEL PLTFS SHALL
RESPOND TO MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT ON OR BEFORE 11/1/21
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11/03/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - OPPOSING MEMORANDUM FILED ON 11/01/2021
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
OPPOSITION TO DEFTS MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT PLTF OPPOSING
AND ADDITIONAL STATEMENT OF MATERIAL FACTS AFFIDAVIT OF WALT MCKEE AND
NORMAN BELANGER AND FOUR TRANSCRIPTS
11/29/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME FILED ON 11/08/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
TO ENLARGE TIME TO RESPOND TO OPPOSITION TO MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
11/29/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
LETTER - FROM PARTY FILED ON 11/22/2021
Plaintiff's Attorney: WALTER MCKEE
LETTER REGARDING DISCOVERY CONFERENCE HELD WITH THE COURT
11/29/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME GRANTED ON 11/29/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL DEFTS REPLY TO
PLTFS OPPOSITION TO MOTION FOR SJ IS EXTENDED TO MONDAY DECEMBER 6TH 2021
12/09/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME FILED ON 12/03/2021
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
UNOPPOSED MOTION TO EXTEND TIME TO RESPOND TO DISCOVERY DISPUTE . TIME TO RESPOND
TO DISCOVERY DISPUTE IS EXTENDED TO 12/13/21
12/09/2021 Party(s): EYECARE OF MAINE PA
OTHER FILING - REPLY MEMORANDUM FILED ON 12/08/2021
Defendant's Attorney: WILLIAM LEE
DEFTS REPLY TO PLTFS OPPOSITION TO DEFTS MOTION FOR SJ
12/10/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI
MOTION - MOTION FOR ENLARGEMENT OF TIME GRANTED ON 12/09/2021
WILLIAM STOKES, JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL SEE ORDER
12/13/2021 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI,LORIE PARKS
OTHER FILING - REPLY MEMORANDUM FILED ON 12/13/2021
DEFTS REPLY TO PLTFS LETTER DATED 11/22/21 ADDRESSING DISCOVERY DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF
10/29/21 DISCOVERY CONFERENCE
02/03/2022 HEARING - 26(G) CONFERENCE HELD ON 10/29/2021
02/03/2022 ORDER - 26(G) ORDER ENTERED ON 02/02/2022
WILLIAM STOKES, JUSTICE
ORDERED INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AT THE SPECIFIC DIRECTION OF THE COURT. COPIES TO
PARTIES/COUNSEL
02/03/2022 Party(s): HELEN BELL NECEVSKI,LORIE PARKS
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MOTION - MOTION SUMMARY JUDGMENT DENIED ON 02/02/2022
WILLIAM STOKES , JUSTICE
COPIES TO PARTIES/COUNSEL
02/03/2022 ORDER - COURT ORDER ENTERED ON 02/02/2022
WILLIAM STOKES, JUSTICE
ORDERED INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AT THE SPECIFIC DIRECTION OF THE COURT. COPIES TO
PARTIES/COUNSEL
DEFENDANT'S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
IS DENIED.
02/03/2022 ORDER - COURT ORDER COPY TO REPOSITORIES ON 02/03/2022
Receipts
06/22/2020 Misc Fee Payments $25.00 paid.
06/22/2020 Misc Fee Payments $150.00 paid.
03/02/2021 Misc Fee Payments $300.00 paid.
09/08/2021 Misc Fee Payments $25.00 paid.
09/08/2021 Misc Fee Payments $200.00 paid.
A TRUE COPY
ATTEST:
Clerk
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