The Aug.18-19 concerts in Northampton will aid rural school systems in New England.
Manon Mirabelli photoStaind frontman Aaron Lewis with children who will attend the newly formed private R.H. Conwell Education Center in Worthington at the Pines Theater in Look Park during the Aug. 14, 2010 concert to benefit Lewis' It Takes a Community Foundation.
Staind lead singer Aaron Lewis has announced the dates and lineup for his second annual “It Takes a Community Foundation” benefit concerts.
The two-day event will take place Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, at the Pines Theater at Look Park in Northampton.
The hard rockin' frontman has recently had success as a country singer and the lineup reflects his diverse musical tastes.
Friday’s show will feature country music performances from Rhett Akins, Frank Hannon (of Tesla) and Alexa Carter.
Saturday's concert will rock with Tesla, Corey Taylor (of Slipknot and Stone Sour), Lo-Pro and Otan Vargas.
Lewis will perform at both shows. (Rumors have circulated of a Staind appearance in recent weeks, but there has been no indication the Springfield rockers will appear. Staind is expected to release its seventh studio album, "Seven," in the fall).
Single-day tickets for the benefit concerts range in price from $45 to $78. They go on sale on June 24. VIP meet and greet packages are also available at www.dysfunctionalstaind.com. All proceeds from the shows will go directly to It Takes a Community Foundation.
The non-profit foundation was founded by Lewis and his wife, Vanessa, who reside in Worthington.
According to a statement released by Lewis' camp, the charity’s focus is "reviving rural communities throughout the greater New England area. The charity works with local leaders and community organizations who have firsthand knowledge of the needs of their communities. It strives to raise funds and support these community groups who strengthen, engage and enrich the communities they are in, sustain diminishing public services, and provide assistance to communities in crisis. They work to unite resources and ideas to help people and communities create a better tomorrow."
Lewis ha said he was inspired to create the charity after his local school district closed three of the five area elementary schools because of budget cuts. He used the money he earned from his performances, as well as profits from the first benefit concert held on Aug.14, 2010 at Look Park, and opened the private R.H. Conwell Education Center. The foundation funded everything from desks, books and school supplies to the teachers’ salaries.
“My family has been directly affected by school closures in our rural area due to state budget cuts,” Lewis has said. “We have seen firsthand the necessity for smaller communities to have a voice and to determine their own local needs and priorities. Our foundation strives to do just that - to build a collective of local community members and empower them to take charge of their own community’s future.”
The estimated rental cost of the temporary trailers, which will be used for up to 2 years, is $7 million.
Republican staff photo by Mark M. MurrayA photo of the Mary A. Dryden Memorial School in Springfield days after the June 1 tornado shows extensive damage to the roof.
SPRINGFIELD – The School Committee on Thursday unanimously approved plans to lease portable classrooms next year to provide needed space for students at two tornado-damaged schools.
The modular buildings will be placed in a playground to the rear of Elias Brookings School on Hancock Street and in a field next to the Mary A Dryden Veterans Memorial School on Surrey Road.
Thirty portable classroom structures, including 20 two-story units and 10 one-story units, are needed outside Brookings, leased for two years while that building is renovated and rebuilt, Assistant Schools Superintendent Daniel Warwick said. The lease cost is estimated at $7 million and will provide space for all students, including cafeteria space and for other needs.
The city will be seeking federal disaster aid to cover the cost of the leases at both schools.
Three modular classrooms are planned at Dryden, in an adjacent field, needed for a one-year period while a wing of that building is rebuilt, Warwick said.
The lease for the Dryden classrooms is estimated at $700,000.
“They are beautiful classrooms, very comfortable,” Warwick said.
Republican staff photo by Mark M. MurrayThe Elias Brookings Elementary School on Hancock Street is shown boarded up days after the June 1 tornado. The school sustained extensive damage, and classes will be taught in portable classes next year as the building is repaired
Each portable classroom averages 850 square feet, was previously used in Massachusetts and meets all state School Building Authority requirements, Warwick said.
School Committee Finance Subcommittee Chairman Christopher Collins said the use of portable classrooms is “a great plan” and will be ready for the start of the school year in late August. The subcommittee and Superintendent of Schools Alan J. Ingram recommended approval.
“It gets all these students back in their home neighborhood,” Collins said.
The portable units are similar to modular homes, with air conditioning, heating, bathrooms and full electrical needs, he said.
Warwick said he has spoken to many of the teachers and parents, and they were pleased with the plans. It was important to keep the students in the immediate area, he said.
The Brookings School is structurally sound, but will take two years to rebuild due to the damage from the June 1 tornado, Warwick said. The portable classrooms will also fit the pre-school children there, he said.
At Dryden, the pre-school children will relocate to the Harris School.
Gov. Deval Patrick said, "It will take time to rebuild, but we will rebuild. Make no mistake about that."
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Republican staff photo by Mark M. Murray06/16/11 Springfield- Republican Photo by Mark M.Murray - Kurt Schwartz, Director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency ,left answers a question as Governor Deval Patrick, right listens during a press conference thursday about the recent federal disaster aid announcement for communities hit by the June 1st tornado.
SPRINGFIELD – Federal officials plan to open nine disaster assistance centers as soon as Saturday in communities impacted by the June 1 tornadoes to help residents and business owners who suffered losses get on the path to restoration and recovery.
The disaster recovery centers in Hampden and Worcester counties will be set up primarily to provide aid and information to victims, officials said.
Local, state and federal officials including Gov. Deval L. Patrick and U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, gathered at Court Square on Thursday, to announce further details of the disaster aid and to praise the speed of the federal disaster declaration by President Barack Obama.
“It will take time to rebuild, but we will rebuild. Make no mistake about that,” Patrick said.
Meanwhile, the state Senate on Thursday unanimously approved a bill that would spend $15 million to cover the state costs associated with tornado damage and cleanup.
State Sen. Stephen Brewer, D-Barre, who represents Monson and Brimfield, two of the communities hit by the tornado, said the money will pay for the emergency-response costs for such agencies as the National Guard, Massachusetts Emergency Response Agency, and the state police.
06/16/11 Springfield- Republican Photo by Mark M.Murray - Governor Deval Patrick, right checks out the mortarboard made out of paper being worn by Christopher Lisojo 11, a 5th grader at the Brookings School. Chrisopher had just come from the 5th grade graduation ceremony at the school that was hit by the June 1 tornado. His family was also displaced by the tornado when their home was damaged. The Governor was in Court Square for a press conference about the recent federal disaster aid announcement.
“The physical, emotional and financial toll of these storms is colossal,” Brewer said.
The total cost of the damage so far in terms of the 8,200 claims filed with insurance companies has reached $140 million and could go higher, a state official said.
Joseph G. Murphy, Massachusetts commissioner of insurance, said both the number of claims and total damage have increased by 50 percent from the division’s first tally on Tuesday. At that time, there were about 5,000 claims totaling $90 million.
“As people affected by the tornadoes continue to clean up and move forward toward filing claims and having repairs done, we expect these numbers to grow,” said Murphy.
Of the total claims so far, 4,200 are for damage to housing at an estimated $120 million. Another 200 claims totaling $5 million have been filed for commercial properties.
There are also 3,200 claims totaling $15 million for automobiles.
Based on those numbers, the average amount per damage claim is $28,571 per house, $25,000 per business, and $4,687 per automobile.
The division maintains a hotline for people with questions about filing claims for storm damage. The number is (413) 521-7777. People can also go to the website at www.mass.gov/stormrecovery.
With the federal declaration of a disaster area announced on Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is coordinating a federal response to the cleanup.
The first two of the nine disaster centers are expected to open Saturday in Springfield and West Springfield, and additional centers will open on Sunday, said Kurt Schwartz, director of the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
The specific locations will be publicized once they are ready to open, officials said.
However, West Springfield Mayor Edward J. Gibson disclosed later that FEMA is in the process of establishing a disaster recovery center on the third floor of the municipal office building.
It could open as soon as Saturday and is expected to remain there for six weeks, he said.
In Springfield, officials said there is no set cap on the amount of disaster aid and low-interest loans that will be forthcoming to the hardest hit communities, and to the damaged and destroyed homes, businesses and infrastructure.
“Nobody said when the tornado hit, there was too much government,” Neal said. “The government responded.”
FEMA will be immediately mobilizing federal inspectors for an estimated 3,000 inspections of damaged properties in the region, Schwartz said.
Neal and Schwartz stressed that people can start getting information and registering for federal aid now. There are individual-assistance programs for eligible homeowners, tenants and businesses, and public-assistance programs for municipalities.
The phone number to register is (800) 621-FEMA, or (800) 621-3362. The TTY line number for the hearing impaired is (800) 462-7585.
Since the tornado, the state has operated two assistance centers, one at the Department of Transitional Assistance, 95 Liberty St., Springfield, and the other at the Department of Development Service Center, 171 State Ave., Monson.
Patrick said once the FEMA centers are operating, the state centers will be blended in with them to prevent duplication of services.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said that with the federal declaration in place, the city has begun to emerge from the path of destruction and havoc caused by the tornado.
“We are firmly in the stabilization phase,” Sarno said.
The rebuilding phase, he said, is for now still “around the corner.”
Patrick, joined by Neal and Sarno, arrived at the outdoor press conference at Court Square in the early afternoon, receiving applause from the gathered crowd.
Patrick said the state “owes a tremendous debt of gratitude” to the president, FEMA, Homeland Security and others.
Patrick also praised the “spirit of neighborliness” that has followed the tornadoes. Individuals and agencies have provided comfort, shelter, clothing and encouragement, he said.
Once a building is inspected and a person or family is deemed eligible for disaster aid, they should receive a check or notification of a deposit to their bank accounts within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit, according to FEMA.
The Senate vote on Beacon Hill comes one day after the House voted overwhelmingly to approve the same bill.
Brewer, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, said the state relief is essential right now.
“The communities affected by this disaster are looking at a long, arduous road to recovery, and this funding will provide some relief,” he said.
Senators from other communities hurt by the tornadoes, including Gale D. Candaras, D-Wilbraham, James T. Welch, D-West Springfield and Michael R. Knapik, R-Westfield, also spoke in support of the bill.
Also in Springfield news, the city School Committee voted unanimously Thursday to lease 30 portable trailers for use as classrooms at two tornado-damaged elementary schools, Elias Brookings and Mary A. Dryden, when classes resume in the fall.
The lease is expected to cost about $7 million.
The portable classrooms are likely to be used at Brookings for two years while the school is rebuilt, officials said. The estimates for Dryden have the trailers in use for only one year while one wing is rebuilt.
The School Department will seek federal disaster aid to reimburse its lease costs.
Staff writers Dan Ring, Sandra Constantine and Patrick Johnson contributed to this report.
Police in Vermont are looking for 33-year-old Jody Mason of Greenfield, Mass. after he allegedly moved to Brattleboro and failed to register as a sex offender.
(Greenfield Police booking photo)This picture of 33-year-old Jody Mason appears on the Greenfield Police Department's website. Brattleboro, Vermont police are reportedly looking for Mason, who was convicted of forcibly raping a child in 2005, for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender when he moved to that community.
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Police in Vermont are looking for 33-year-old Jody Mason of Greenfield, Mass. after he allegedly moved to Brattleboro and failed to register as a sex offender.
According to the Greenfield Police Department's website, Mason was convicted in 2005 with the forcible rape of a child. No further information relating to the incident was immediately available.
He is described as a white man, approximately 5-feet, 10-inches tall, weighing around 230 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair and may or may not be wearing a beard as seen in the photo above.
View full sizeThis picture of Jody Mason was taken from an online profile on the My Yearbook website.
A web search by The Republican and MassLive.com revealed that Mason apparently keeps an online profile on the social networking website My Yearbook. At 2 a.m. on Friday, his profile listed his last log-on as 15 hours ago, or around 11 a.m. Thursday.
At about 2 a.m. as patrons were leaving the bars for the evening, officers already in the area dealing with standard crowd dispersion duties reported a disturbance possibly involving a handgun.
UPDATE: 3 a.m.One man is in the hospital after reportedly being shot in the chest in connection with an incident in downtown Springfield early Friday morning. He is said to be in stable condition at this point.
SPRINGFIELD - Details are sketchy at this point, but Springfield police are looking for at least one person in relation to a reported shooting that happened near Worthington Street early Friday morning.
At about 2 a.m. as patrons were leaving the bars for the evening, officers already in the area dealing with standard crowd dispersion duties reported shots fired, possibly from a handgun.
Springfield police Lt. John K. Slepchuck told MassLive.com around 2:30 a.m. that he had no information on the incident and was unaware of any potential injuries.
Initial police reports indicated that one person was in custody and another suspect, possibly a black man approximately 6-feet tall and wearing a white t-shirt was last seen running west on Taylor Street.
More information will be posted as it becomes available.
SPRINGFIELD - Police arrested four people early Friday morning after a shooting around 2 a.m. as the bars were letting out for the evening.
The victim is reportedly in serious but stable condition and undergoing surgery at the Baystate Medical Center with officers not far from his side.
City police were in the area on standard crowd dispersion duties when they heard several shots fired in the area.
Lt. John K. Slepchuck said that 25-year-old Donte Antuan King, of 48 Wellington St., Springfield, was charged with possession of a firearm without a license, possession of a stolen firearm, discharging a firearm withing 500 feet of a dwelling, breach of the peace while armed and possession of ammunition without a FID card.
King may be facing additional charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
"What we do know is that this suspect was seen by witnesses discharging the firearm then throwing it in the bushes," Slepchuck said. "There was a foot pursuit and we recovered the gun and took him into custody."
Tyson Veillette, 30, of 63 Suffolk St. and Dominique Gary, 25, of 41 McKnight St. were both charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in relation to the overall disturbance, Slepchuck said.
An in a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, police also arrested 27-year-old Devon Holland of 12 Pleasant Street, West Springfield, as a fugitive from justice based on outstanding warrants out of New Hampshire relating to trafficking narcotics.
Police are also looking for another man who may be armed and fled from the scene immediately after the shooting.
He is described as a black man, approximately 6-feet tall and wearing a white t-shirt. He was last seen running west on Taylor Street.
King, Veillette and Gary were held awaiting arraignment in Springfield District Court while Holland was held awaiting extradition to New Hampshire.
Anyone with information about the shooting or the identity of the man still at large is asked to call the Springfield police Detective Bureau at (413) 787-6355.
Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to “CRIMES,” or “274637,” and then beginning the body of the message with the word “SOLVE.”
The map below shows the approximate location of the shooting that sent one man to the hospital Friday morning.
Police said Erik Norman's blood alcohol level was.19, more than nine times the legal limit for someone under the age of 21.
PALMER - Two defendants from Bondsville accused of providing alcohol to 17-year-old Erik P. Norman, who police say was drunk when he struck a utility pole with his dirt bike and died in April 2010, will have their cases go before a jury in Springfield in September.
Sgt. Scott E. Haley said Dean withdrew his plea in Palmer District Court on Tuesday before Judge Patricia T. Poehler, who sided with the commonwealth, and recommended he serve one year in the House of Correction, six months direct with the balance suspended. Court documents indicated that Dean was ready to plead guilty, in exchange for one year of probation, and no alcohol and random screens.
Dean and Kolakowski now will go before a jury in Springfield District Court on Sept. 7.
Police said Norman's blood alcohol level was .19, more than nine times the legal limit for someone under the age of 21, and that Kolakowski and Dean were the ones responsible for supplying him with alcohol before the crash on April 3.
The death of Erik Norman was followed by the death of his older brother, James B. Norman, 25, who jumped off the Bondsville dam into the Swift River after having attended a vigil for Erik on April 5. Police said he was despondent over the loss of Erik.
Family members read victim impact statements in court detailing the loss of the brothers, and how Erik left behind an infant son.
Groton, Massachusetts lays a young Marine to rest; bad gas in Connecticut causes engine problems; Lobbyists pushing Congress to make illegal video streaming a felony, and more headlines.
The Monument fire burns Thursday afternoon June 16, 2011 near Hereford, Ariz. Authorities say the Monument fire has charred more than 9,300 acres or 14 square miles. (AP Photo/The Arizona Republic, Pat Shannahan)
Astronomers concluded that an unsuspecting star the size of our sun likely got sucked in by the powerful tug of a giant black hole.
AP Photo/University of Warwick, Mark A. GarlickThis artist's image provided by the University of Warwick shows a star being distorted by its close passage to a supermassive black hole at the center of a galaxy.
LOS ANGELES — Astronomers think they have solved the mystery of an extraordinary flash spied in a faraway galaxy, saying it came from a massive black hole that devoured a star after it wandered too close.
The awesome energy released by the feeding frenzy was first detected by NASA's Swift satellite on March 28 and was later confirmed by a fleet of space and ground telescopes.
Some scientists initially thought the bright flash was a gamma-ray burst from a star collapsing, but flaring from such an event typically lasts only a few hours.
Instead of fading, the cosmic outburst continued to burn bright and emit high-energy radiation months later.
Two separate teams pored through data and concluded that an unsuspecting star the size of our sun likely got sucked in by the powerful tug of a giant black hole much like a fly that can't escape a frog resting on a lily pad. The findings were published online Thursday in the journal Science.
As the black hole gobbled up the star, it streamed a beam of energy straight at Earth that was recorded by telescopes. The stellar feast occurred in the heart of a galaxy 3.8 billion light years from Earth. A light year is about 6 trillion miles.
"This was clearly different than anything we've ever seen before," said one of the team leaders, Joshua Bloom, an astronomer at the University of California, Berkeley who classified the event as extremely rare.
Black holes are swirling, super-dense cores of galaxies that vacuum up nearly everything in sight. How they grow so huge remains a mystery. Scientists think the latest observation could help them better understand how galaxies form.
Could what happened in the distant galaxy occur in our Milky Way? In theory yes, say scientists, but the chances are low.
"It's not something worth losing sleep over," said researcher Andrew Levan of University of Warwick in England, who led the other team.
Officers and an ambulance were dispatched to the Peter Pan Cafe at 46 Pleasant St. around 1:55 a.m. Friday.
EASTHAMPTON - Police are investigating an early morning stabbing on Pleasant St. that sent a man to Baystate Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury.
Officers and an ambulance were dispatched to the Peter Pan Cafe at 46 Pleasant St. around 1:55 a.m. Friday, according to a press release sent by the Easthampton Police Department.
At the scene, officers found a 39-year-old man on the sidewalk suffering from a single knife wound to his arm. The victim was taken to Baystate Medical Center for treatment.
No arrests were made. Officers are continuing to investigate the incident.
A shift supervisor at the Easthampton Police Department was not immediately available for comment when contacted by The Republican Friday morning.
This is a developing story. Details will be added as they become available.
Pentagon police spokesman Chris Layman said the car was in bushes near the Pentagon's north parking lot.
Associated PressLaw enforcement work near the Pentagon after a suspicious vehicle forced multiple road closures Friday, June 17, 2011 in Arlington, Va. Officials in Washington say one man is under arrest after they found his car, parked in the bushes near the Pentagon, contained material that appears to be ammonium nitrate. The vehicle also contained spent 9 mm shells and written materials stating "al Qaeda Taliban rules."
ARLINGTON, Va. — One person was taken into custody early Friday after being found near the Pentagon with suspicious materials in his backpack, authorities said.
The man, who is in his 20s, was detained after he was found after hours inside Arlington National Cemetery and was initially uncooperative, authorities said. Officers searched his nearby car, a red 2011 Nissan, but found nothing suspicious inside, said Brenda Heck, special agent in charge of the counterterrorism unit of the FBI's Washington field office.
The man, whose name was not released, was being detained but had not been charged as of Friday morning, officials said. Heck said officials believe the man acted alone.
She said the man was carrying a backpack with suspicious items, and a non-explosive material was found.
A law enforcement official speaking on the condition of anonymity said officials found what appeared to be an unknown quantity of ammonium nitrate. The official, who was not authorized to release the information, said nothing else was found that would have enabled an explosion. The official said tests were being done to determine the substance and the exact concentration.
Ammonium nitrate is a chemical compound that is widely used in fertilizers and can be used in explosives with the correct concentration.
Pentagon police spokesman Chris Layman said the car was in bushes near the Pentagon's north parking lot.
In another incident earlier this week, a motorist found with a gun and what appeared to be a suspicious package near the Pentagon was taken into custody.
SPRINGFIELD - Two Springfield men were arrested Thursday evening after a high-speed pursuit through the city that involved police from at least two agencies, cocaine allegedly being thrown into residential neighborhoods and a child finding a pistol reportedly thrown from the suspects' car.
Bryan Ingram, 21, of 30 Gordon St., and Gregory Harris Jr., 30, of 100 Fernwold St., are both facing several felony charges relating to illegally possessing firearms and trafficking cocaine. Ingram, the driver, also faces additional traffic charges.
The pursuit began at about 6:20 p.m. Thursday as two Massachusetts State troopers in an unmarked car were driving behind a red Mitsubishi on King Street. A license plate check revealed the car's registration was suspended due to a lack of insurance, according to State Police spokesman David Procopio. As the car turned onto Logan Street, the troopers activated their lights and the Mitsubishi stopped.
"The troopers got out of the cruiser and approached the car from each side," Procopio said. "But as they neared the window, it accelerated away at a high rate of speed."
The troopers ran back to their car, broadcasting the description of the suspects along with the direction of travel before going after it themselves.
Procopio said Ingram was driving at least 45 miles per hour through several residential streets before finally traveling the wrong way on Manhattan Street. It was on that stretch of road where troopers said they saw Harris throw a plastic-wrapped package, which was later found to be crack cocaine, out the window. The troopers then saw Harris throw a metallic object, later found to be a gun, from the car near the Iglesia Oasis de Bendicion church.
"The suspects' car almost struck a second state police cruiser and then continued through more than a dozen residential streets," Procopio said.
Ingram finally stopped the car in front of 53 Lebanon St. in the city's Old Hill neighborhood where the duo exited the vehicle and ran down the driveway with state and city police in pursuit.
"Troopers saw Harris throw another plastic bag later determined to be cocaine in the driveway while Ingram tried to scale a six-foot picket fence out back of the house," Procopio said. "When Ingram saw a trooper on the other side of the fence, he jumped back down and ran with Harris up the back stairs of this house."
Procopio said that officers, some with weapons drawn, told the pair to stop but they refused. He said they were extra cautious because Harris is known for his gang affiliations and previous drug arrests.
Officers cornered Harris and Ingram inside the house, Procopio said, but the men were "swinging their arms and fighting the police" during the arrest.
"They were eventually subdued and taken into custody," Procopio said. "When Harris was put in the back of the cruiser, he continued yelling obscenities at police and the people on the street who had gathered to see what was happening."
After both men were in custody, police returned to the area on Manhattan Street where troopers had seen the items thrown from the vehicle. On the way, they received a call from a woman that said her 11-year-old grandson had found a handgun near the Iglesia Oasis de Bendicion church.
Officers recovered the loaded Taurus .38 special along with two bags of crack-cocaine found in the middle of Manhattan Street.
Ingram was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of a class-B substance with the intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammo, possessing a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm without a FID card, a drug violation near a school or park, driving without a license, driving an unregistered and uninsured car, failure to stop for police and resisting arrest.
Harris was charged with trafficking cocaine, unlawful possession of a firearm without a license, unlawful possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, committing a firearm violation with three prior violent or drug convictions and resisting arrest.
Both men were taken back to the Springfield barracks and held awaiting arraignment in Springfield District Court on Friday.
Kirkland was shot six times and has been recuperating in an unspecified Department of Corrections facility. He appeared before Judge Daniel Ford in a wheelchair.
The Republican | Mark M. Murray06.17.2011 | SPRINGFIELD - Tamik Kirkland, sitting in a wheelchair, listens to charges being read during his arraignment in Hampden County Superior Court.
SPRINGFIELD - The two men charged in the April 30 shootings that left 24-year-old Sheldon R. Innocent dead and two police officers injured were ordered held without right to bail at their arraignments in Hampden County Superior Court Friday.
Tamik J. Kirkland, 25 -- who escaped from state prison in Shirley in late April allegedly to avenge the shooting of his mother -- is charged with murdering Innocent, of Wilbraham, inside Bill Brown's House of Beauty at 945 State St. on April 30. The barber was critically injured.
Police said Kirkland then made his way to 49 Cambridge St., where he opened fire on a pursuing Springfield officer and a state trooper from the trunk of Smith’s girlfriend’s car in the driveway.
Kirkland was shot six times and has been recuperating in an unspecified Department of Corrections facility. He appeared before Judge Daniel A. Ford in a wheelchair.
He pleaded not guilty to 16 charges, including murder, attempted murder, three counts of home invasion, and a litany of gun charges.
Mark M. Murray06.17.2011 | Trevin Smith appears in court.
Hampden County District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni and defense attorney John S. Ferrara, who was appointed by the court, agreed to no bail on the murder charge. The ruling was entered without prejudice.
For the remaining charges, bail was set at $100 cash or surety for each.
Trevin T. Smith, 30, of 79 Penrose St., is facing accessory charges. He is alleged to have told his girlfriend to drive the car to an address on Burr Street after the shooting.
He then fled to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he eventually surrendered to officers and was returned to Massachusetts.
He is also charged with accessory before the fact of murder and two counts of reckless endangerment of a child. In the car were two children, his girlfriend's 12-year-old and a 6-month-old she was babysitting.
Smith pleaded not guilty. He was held without bail on the accessory before the fact charge and $100 cash or surety for the remaining charges.
Defense attorney Alexander Z. Nappan requested “some bail,” such as $100,000 or $1 million. The ruling was entered without prejudice.
The Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow expressed concern for Smith’s safety, so he is being held at Hampshire County Jail in Northampton.
Security at the arraignments was high, with eight court officers present, but there were no incidents.
A bail hearing for Smith is set for June 24. A pretrial conference is set for both on October 17.
It was a split decision victory for Antonio's in the North Region.
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In a split decision, The Republican's three judges in the 2011 Valley Food Championship Pizza Playoffs chose Antonio's in Amherst over Joe's Cafe in Northampton in the North Region portion of the competition. Antonio's now moves on to the semifinals, where it will face the winner of the West Region in mid July.
Judges Pam McCray and Don Treeger gave the nod to Antonio's as they were blown away by the house choice, BBQ chicken with bacon and ranch dressing. Judge Ray Kelly enjoyed the specialty, but said he could not get past the bland sauce and cheese used on Antonio's cheese pizza.
"Our first decision as judges might very well be our most difficult," Treeger said. "I preferred the cheese pizza at Joe's Cafe, and I liked the specialty pizza at Antonio's more. In the end, it was the crust at Antonio's that won my vote."
McCray echoed Treeger's sentiments. "I think the deciding factor for me was the crust. I do like thin crust pizzas, but the crust was too soggy for me on the house special at Joe's."
"Although I liked the cheese pizza better at Joe's, Antonio's specialty pizza was great. So flavorful and picture perfect," McCray said.
She added, "I did love the shrimp scampi pizza at Joe's, but on the house special, the toppings were too much for the crust. I ate the cheese first and by the time I got to the house special the crust was really soggy. Antonio's pizza held up nicely and had a great crust to it."
Kelly disagreed with his fellow judges' decision.
"To me, three elements are essential to a great pizza: Crust, sauce and cheese," Kelly said. "To be blunt, Antonio's was lacking in two of those three."
"While I am not a big fan of thin crust pizza, it was done so well at Joe's Cafe that I had no complaints," Kelly said. "It is true that the crust on the specialty pizza there was a tad soggy under the pile of superb, generous toppings. I found that easier to forgive than bland sauce and cheese."
Next week, Kelly, McCray and Treeger will visit the two West Region competitors, Liquori's Pizza in West Springfield and Pizza Guy in Agawam.
The judges are visiting the "Elite Eight" selected by online readers. The competition began on May 9 when the call for nominations went out. There were 117 nominees, which were reduced by readers to 64 contenders in four regions for tournament style voting.
Online readers whittled that field down to the "Elite Eight" that judges are comparing.
As always, visit www.masslive.com/pizza to keep up with where the judges have been and where they are headed next.
The teachers have the option of paying it back in a lump sum
File photo | The RepublicanAlan Ingram, Springfield Superintendent of Schools
SPRINGFIELD – Local teachers, who received overpayments totaling approximately $1.2 million this year due to a prolonged payroll error, have the option of paying it back in one lump sum or over a one-year period.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan J. Ingram on Friday announced the plan for repayment options, which was ratified by the Springfield Education Association and approved by the School Committee.
“Our goal was always to reach an agreement that was fair and manageable for teachers and, in the end, I think that is what we have accomplished,” said Ingram. “It’s unfortunate that teachers have had to endure this experience but I let me assure them that we have learned from it and have made improvements in our system of accountability as a result.”
In total, about $1.2 million in overpayments were given out to teachers when the school district made a mistake putting a new salary schedule into effect earlier this year. The average overpayment amount was between $600 and $800 per teacher.
Teachers who choose to spread the payments over the course of the next school year will begin the repayment schedule in August. Teachers who have been terminated or resigned since the payroll error occurred must repay the funds in full this academic school year.
The plan was approved by the School Committee during a regularly scheduled meeting last night.
The repayment plan includes a provision that allows an individual to appeal to a joint committee of Springfield Education Association (SEA) and Springfield Public Schools (SPS) administration representatives for a payback period of two years because of personal financial hardships.
Since the error was discovered, the school department has conducted a full review of payroll practices, Ingram said. New measures to prevent such accidents from re-occurring include a newly created segregation of duties involving the business department, human resources and payroll and an improved system of checks and balances.
Ingram said Massachusetts General Law prohibits him from speaking specifically about disciplinary action taken against those individuals responsible for the mistake, but said disciplinary action had been taken.
The repayment schedule is the result of several negotiation sessions between the teachers union and School Department officials.
Below is a list of announcements regarding resources and tornado relief efforts we've received in the newsroom so far on Friday, June 17.
If you know of a resource that should be added to this list -- or to the map at the bottom of this post -- please post a comment or email online@repub.com.
The United Way is coordinating volunteer efforts. Call 2-1-1 for information.
Call ahead before heading out to a donation center, to make sure that location is still accepting donations. And, avoid scams: check the Better Business Bureau charity guide before donating.
ANNOUNCEMENTS / EVENTS FOR FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Council of Churches of Greater Springfield still seeking donations
The Council of Churches of Greater Springfield is taking a lead role in coordinating tornado relief efforts in the faith-based community. The Council is partnering with FEMA, the American Red Cross, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, FEMA Massachusetts, the Interfaith Council and other agencies to help the tornado relief efforts.
Ron Porter, the Council's disaster relief coordinator, is managing the efforts of sixteen donation drop-off and distribution sites. Porter can be reached at 315.408.7586 or disasterrelief@councilofchurchesgs.org.
The Council's relief efforts include providing food, clothing, hygiene kits, household items and counseling to the tornado's victims.
The Council is seeking monetary donations as well as donations of nonperishable food. Donation sites are included on the map below, and are listed at http://www.councilofchurchesgs.org/tornadorelief.html.
To donate: Make checks payable to the Council of Churches of Greater Springfield, 39 Oakland Street; Springfield 01108. Or donate online at: www.councilofchurchesgs.org.
Eastworks hosts food drive this weekend in Easthampton
The Eastworks Building on Pleasant St. is hosting a food drive today through July 1 for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
The Eastworks management office (suite 320) will accept non-perishable food items, cash, or checks made out to "Food Bank of Western Massachusetts" with "tornado relief" in the memo. Requested items include: Ready-to-eat products such as pop-top canned fruit, ravioli, or tuna fish; Healthy snacks such as granola bars; Bread; Peanut butter and jelly; Cereal.
The map below includes shelter locations, agencies accepting donations, storm assistance centers and other resources.
Map Key:
Red line: Street closed.
Blue line: Road open, but police advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
Green marker: Shelter location
Pink marker: Donations accepted
Pink marker with dot: Information resource + donations accepted.
Yellow marker: Food / donation distribution point.
Turquoise marker: Information and links to other resources.
Obama declares disaster area
The president's declaration of a federal disaster area in Hampden and Worcester counties means the federal government will pay for the majority of the storm-related costs for Springfield and other eligible communities, state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The register for federal aid, call (800) 621-FEMA or (800) 621-3362. The TTY line number for the hearing impaired is (800) 462-7585. Or, register online at disasterassistance.gov.
Russo said phone numbers go to a phone bank that is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
WMass Jewish Federation and United Way team up for tornado relief
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is partnering with the United Way to aid tornado victims. To make a financial donation, go online to www.jewishwesternmass.org, or mail checks payable to JFWM with “Tornado Relief” in the note section, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108.
For more information, call (413) 737-4313. In addition, Rachel’s Table, the Federation’s hunger relief program, is organizing a special food drive and deliveries to support local agencies which are helping tornado victims.
Rachel’s Table is collecting non-perishable food; specific items that are needed are canned goods with flip tops that do not need to be cooked, peanut butter, and nutrition bars. Food can be dropped off at the Federation office, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield. Rachel’s Table is also collecting monetary donations to be used to purchase food for the agencies directly serving tornado victims. To make a monetary donation for this effort, checks should be made payable to Rachel’s Table with “Tornado Relief” in the note section, and sent the above address.
RMV offers free ID replacement for tornado victims
According to a press release from the Department of Transportation, "Governor Deval Patrick has directed that the RMV waive the $25 fee associated with duplicate IDs and license for residents living in the communities impacted by the storms." Read more here.
Food Bank seeks volunteer help at Hatfield warehouse WWLP reports:
Food Bank Program Director Christina Maxwell says "Right now we need more people to volunteer to help distribute food and water. The community has been wonderful responding to this need and we've been getting cash donations as well as food donations. We could definitely use volunteers at our warehouse in Hatfield and people can go on our website to find out how to sign up for those opportunities."
STCC library rolls out calendar of relief events
Nice use of a Google calendar to aggregate both fundraising and distribution events happening here.
Red Cross releases video of Sen. Scott Brown's Springfield tour
Ryan Hughes, a Central Mass Chapter volunteer for the Red Cross, shot and edited video chronicling Scott Brown's June 4th tour with the Red Cross. Rick Lee, executive director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, writes:
Ryan is a professional videographer who took a high definition camera out on my ride-along with U.S. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts into some of the most severely affected areas of Springfield.
I should note that, Senator John Kerry was with us in the shelter June 1st and returned last week to revisit our shelter to speak with clients and workers. He personally thanked almost every Red Crosser he came upon and told me he had raised $25,000 through his Facebook page to support Red Cross relief in western Massachusetts.
Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and much of our local political delegation have been on scene and offering their support.
When asked what we needed most I told both Senators Brown and Kerry “we need the Individual Assistance and Presidential Declaration to fuel federal financial assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the homeowners, renters and businesses affected by these devastating storms. They pledged to do all they could to support that.
"Monson Unites" shirts available starting Today
Posted by Laura Sauriol to the Monson Tornado Watch 2011 Facebook page: OFFICIAL "MONSON UNITES" T-Shirts Will be available for $20 starting Tuesday at Monson Savings Bank and at The First Church of Monson!
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Boston Service Center accepting applications for financial aid From Springfield Partners for Community Action: The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Boston Service Center will accept applications for emergency financial aid from homeowners whose houses sustained damage from the tornado on Thursday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Springfield Partners for Community Action, 721 State St., 2nd Floor.
Emergency financial aid will range from $200 to $500 per homeowner. Residents need to bring proof of address and their Red Cross case number to this sign-up session. Spanish translators will be available.
For more information, call 413-263-6500.
Information on the Monson Recovers Resource Center
From Monson's website:
The Monson Recovers Resource Center (MRRC) has opened at Hillside School, 29 Thompson Street to provide information to community members for services needed and resources available. The MRRC has been operational since Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and is staffed by Medical Reserve Corps and community volunteers. People who are interested in volunteering by staffing the office to provide information and resources to our neighbors are asked to contact Liz Manley at monsonrecovers@monson-ma.gov or by calling 413-579-4803.
Area police and firefighters need help with Monson cleanup effort
The "Monson Tree Crew," made up of local first responders, will take another trip to Monson Wednesday (June 15) to help clear trees and debris. Organizer Justin Green writes: "We will be working on Ely Road tomorrow June 15th which is the street across from First Church. They seem to have a significant amount of work that still needs to be done. All volunteers will be meeting at the Pride Gas Station in Palmer at 7:30AM and then heading in when we get everyone together."
More information on the effort, from Fireground360: After the recent tornadoes that affected several cities and towns across Western Massachusetts local law enforcement officers and firefighters came together with chainsaws and manpower. These individuals descended on the town of Monson, MA and are providing critical assistance with the removal of trees and debris from houses, driveways, and outside structures. Their swift action this has allowed the devastated families access to their homes and what is left of their belongings.
The crew's hope is to continue this service throughout the town of Monson with the assistance of heavy equipment. With the much needed donation of a skid steer, the machine would give volunteers the ability to be more efficient by moving larger pieces of debris from the storm ravaged neighborhoods.
The crew needs: MANPOWER to pull brush + cut trees from houses, CAT 257B skid steer + grapple bucket (rental cost $451.93), used professional chain saws, saw chains, bars, files, 2 cycle oil + bar/chain oil, monetary donations for heavy equipment rental
If you would like to give a monetary donation, donate equipment and HELP in some small or BIG way we urge you to contact: Justin Green, UMASS PD, Monson Tree Crew, (413) 387-7722. Donations can also be made at Florence Savings Banks under the name of "LE Tree Crew Monson Tornado Relief".
For other questions please contact Paula + Rick Labrecque, FIREGROUND360°, fireground360@gmail.com or (413) 250-7924
Mass.gov launches tornado recovery resource page Mass.gov's tornado recovery page includes information on storm assistance centers, rebuilding resources, consumer information, and how to help.
Catholic Charities establishes donation center
Donation center established at St. Francis Chapel, 254 Bridge St., Springfield, open Tuesday and Thursday, through July 7, also by appointment, call (413) 733-9298; needs include lamps, dishes, flatware, cups, glassware, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, linens, blankets, towels, toiletries for adults and children, spring and summer clothing, including undergarments and sleepwear, all sizes, diapers, baby food, formula, non-perishable food supplies; also accepting volunteers and funds to assist displaced victims and aid other agencies like Red Cross and Salvation Army; more information available online, www.diospringfield.org or email inquiries to tornadorelief@diospringfield.org.
Holyoke Mall accepting donations on behalf of Springfield Rescue Mission
People may donate the following items at the customer service center, located on the lower level near Sears:
Paper / other kitchen goods: Sandwich baggies, plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, plastic flatware
Clean-up needs: Work gloves, Kitchen gloves (powderless), Heavy duty kitchen bags (40-45 gallon size), Hand sanitizer packets or wipes, Sunblock, Bug spray
Clothing: New underwear (men, women and children), New Socks (men, women and children), New t-shirts (men size large and XL). Note: The Rescue Mission is in "desperate need" of women's new underwear and new socks.
Toiletries: Toothbrushes / toothpaste, soap and body wash, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo / conditioner, brushes / combs, tissues, hand / body lotion, baby power, disposable razors, shaving cream.
Gift cards for gas and food: Gift cards will be accepted to distribute to those living in crisis and to assist the Mission.
Council of Churches of Greater Springfield lists donation / distribution sites
The Council of Churches of Greater Springfield has set up a tornado relief page listing donation and distribution sites. Basilica of the Holy Apostles at 339 State Street in Springfield is accepting large furniture items, food, clothing and other large donations, and a "show room' will be set up at the church to facilitate pick-up.
Salvation Army offers vouchers for clothing purchases
Today, the Salvation Army will be distributing vouchers that tornado victims may use to purchase clothing at Salvation Army retail stores, said Maj. Linda Perks. Victims may claim vouchers at 170 Pearl Street from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Perks said the Salvation Army is accepting clothing donations at 327 Liberty Street. Donations of food, toiletries and water may be made at 170 Pearl Street.
Center for Human Development seeks donations
From Chris Yurko, communications director:
CHD’s Diversion, Shelter & Housing program is collecting household items, furniture, canned foods, dry goods, and other items that will be distributed to individuals and families displaced by the June 1 tornado in the West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson areas. Items needed in new or “like new” condition:
Please deliver to CHD PACE School, 69 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA, or contact: Rose Evans at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 519-5468 (cell), revans@chd.org (email) or Jane Banks at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 575-7402 (cell), jbanks@chd.org (email).
Monetary donations and / or gift cards to any local Springfield area business that carries listed items will also be accepted and used to assist tornado victims. Please send monetary donations and/or gift cards to: CHD Development Office, 332 Birnie Ave. Springfield, MA 01107.
Uno restaurants, Taste of the Valley donating to tornado relief efforts
Through June 10, all Uno Chicago Grill restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island will donate 10% of their profits to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross.
West Springfield's Taste of the Valley event, which runs today (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) through Sunday will be donating 100% of its proceeds to local tornado relief efforts.
FEMA, MEMA offer new ways to donate and volunteer
From MEMA public information officer Peter Judge:
Those wishing to make monetary donations to assist the most impacted individuals can contribute to the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund. This effort, hosted by the United Way of Tri-County can be found online at www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster. These funds will then be distributed in the form of grants to meet the needs of individuals and families through long-term recovery groups recognized by the Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MAVOAD). Members of the public interested in volunteering their time/skills or wishing to donate products/ equipment are encouraged to do so by using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Donation’s Management System at http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/FEMA/.
Springfield seeks landlords with vacant housing units
From the mayor's office:
In an effort to help the victims of the tornado, Attorney Lisa DeSousa from the City’s Law Department – Housing Division, is urgently requesting any landlords who have available rental units to contact the Office of Housing at (413) 787-6500 or email Lizzie Malave at lmalave@springfieldcityhall.com.
Relief fund established for Monson
The Monson Arts Council reports that a relief fund for Monson has been established at Monson Savings Bank. Checks can be made out to: Make check out to Monson Savings Bank, Monson Tornado Relief, 146 Main St., Monson, MA 01057.
The Arts Council also notes: "Donations and volunteers can help at First Church, 5 Main St; Glendale Methodist Church, Main St; or St Patrick church. All clothing is being taking in at St Patrick's, The First Church and Glendale are providing hot/cold food and drinks. They both have non-perishable items for the tornado victims."
And, debris pick-up information from Kathleen Conley Norbut, Emergency Management Director:
The Board of Selectmen has contracted with Ash Britt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal from the storm beginning on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
Regular trash pick-up resumes June 6, 2011.
Residents are asked to separate disaster debris and place vegetative debris only in piles at the curb in the public right-of-way, not on private property and NOT IN THE STREET.
Stimulations Learning Center in Monson distributing toys, school supplies and more
Stimulations Learning Center has been collecting and distributing toys, books, outdoor equipment, school and art supplies, baby items, games, puzzles and other items for children and families. Pick-up times are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
The center is also seeking donations of large boxes, masking tape and storage space.
Phone: 413 267-4716 and 413 267-0558
Open Pantry offers food and clothing
From the website of the United Way, a list of resources offered by Open Pantry Community Services [main phone: (413) 737-5354]:
Emergency Food Pantry: Our emergency food pantry is open Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. We are waiving the intake process for all tornado survivors. Special boxes will be prepared with ready to eat foods and toiletry items. We are located at 2460 Main Street, Springfield.
People's Center: The People's Center provides free clothing to those in need. We are open Monday through Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. On Tuesday June 7, the People's Center will be open only to those affected by the tornado. In addition we will distributing ready to eat food and hygiene products out of 287 State Street (3rd Floor) from 9:00AM-5:00PM.
Loaves and Fishes Kitchen: We provide two meals a day at 12:00PM and 5:00PM. We are at Christ Church Cathedral Monday through Friday, South Congregational on Saturday and Sunday at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist.
Red Cross seeks translators
From the website of the Pioneer Valley Chapter: The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter currently has a need for specialized translators -- if you are trained in the following: Napalese, Arabic, Burmese, Russian or Spanish -- please report to the Pioneer Valley Chapter at 506 Cottage St., Springfield and ask for Paula W.
Donations to the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter may be sent to 506 Cottage St., Springfield, 01104. Phone (413) 737-4306. Donations also can be made online at http://www.redcrosscwm.org/.
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society offers temporary pet care Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, located at 171 Union Street in Springfield, is offering temporary care for pets owned by residents displaced by the tornado. Dakin will house and provide care for pets for 5 days. Phone: (413) 781-4000.
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center offers services for stray animals, search and rescue
Residents can contact the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center for "field services" (search and rescue) involving animals, or if they find stray cats and dogs. The center is located at 627 Cottage Street. Phone: (413) 781-1484.
Friendship Baptist Church in Brimfield offers relief for tornado victims
Brimfield's Friendship Baptist Church, located at 9 East Brimfield / Holland Road, is coordinating chainsaw crews to help residents clear downed trees and limbs from their property. To schedule a crew, call (860) 961-0513. Crews are currently operating between Sturbridge and Monson, Pastor Steve Nurger said Monday morning. Nurger said the church also has showers and laundry facilities available to stricken residents. And while the church is not an official meal site, Nurger said, "We always have food."
Clothing, household items available at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield
Sharon Palmer, assistant director of Brimfield's Hitchcock Academy reports this morning that the school's clothing drive was an overwhelming success. Items are now available for pick-up by residents affected by the tornado. The school is located at 2 Brookfield Road, and pick-up hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
"Even more amazing than the force of the storms is the generosity, concern, and good nature of so many people in the area who contributed their time and efforts to help others," Palmer said in a press release. The clothing / item drive is now closed to further donations. "We now have more than enough donations and literally cannot handle more," Palmer said.
Messina O'Grady tweeting tornado relief efforts
O'Grady, a South Hadley resident, has been working to coordinate donations in the aftermath of the storm. Follow Mass Tornado Relief on Twitter or find O'Grady on Facebook.
Springfield Falcons launch jersey auction for tornado relief
Our Sports Desk reports:
The Springfield Falcons announced Tuesday they have started the first phase of their online jersey auction to help benefit the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross and aid with tornado relief throughout Western Massachusetts. The Falcons currently have 10 jerseys up for bid through Falconsahl.com/Ebay, including team-autographed Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks jerseys.
Friendly's restaurants collecting donations, starting June 15
From a press release outlining the company's efforts:
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, which operates more than 500 company-owned and franchised family dining restaurants, announced today that the company will raise money through customer donations at over 140 restaurants throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut to benefit the Pioneer Valley Red Cross’ tornado relief effort.
Collection drop boxes will be placed at the cash register of each restaurant. Friendly’s will match all of the donations collected from customers. The fundraising effort will begin on June 15 and continue through July 10.
Scholarship fund supports Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero
From a press release:
A scholarship fund to help Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero, who lost their mother, Angelica F. Guerrero, in the June 1 tornado, is being spearheaded by a Union Street businessman.
Angelica Guerrero, 39, saved the life of 15-year-old Ibone by shielding her in a bathtub during the tornado, which caused their Merrick neighborhood apartment house to collapse around them.
Eighteen-year-old Fabiola, who just finished her first year at Holyoke Community College, was not at home when the twister hit.
Victor E. Thomas Jr., who owns Ruggers Rugby and Soccer Supply, has started The Angelica Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Holyoke Community College Foundation. Contributions may be sent to the HCC Foundation at 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040 or by going online to http://www.hcc.edu/
To learn more about Angelica, her family and different ways to help them go to Angelicasfund.com.
Antonios Grinders of Springfield to host fundraiser on June 22
Press advisory from Antonio's Grinders:
On Wednesday June 22, 10 percent of all purchases made at Antonio's Grinders will be donated to tornado relief efforts. Please stop by any of our locations throughout Springfield: 770 Bay St., 17 Longhill St., and 1030 State St.
Thank you for your efforts in helping our community !
Heartsong Yoga Center of East Longmeadow plans June 21 fund raiser for tornado relief
From Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong Yoga Center, 264 North Main St. East Longmeadow:
"The Eye of the Storm" is Heartsong's offering to the community, to raise funds for the American Red Cross, still hard at work helping Western Mass residents to re build. On Tuesday, June 21st, from 6 to 8 pm, all are welcome to attend an evening of Gentle Yoga and Deep Relaxation, with free will donations being accepted for the event, which will be dedicated to those affected by the disaster. The class will include a "Metta" or "Loving Kindness Meditation" a very gentle yoga practice (beginners are welcome) and a relaxation practice known as "Yoga Nidra" which has been widely used in the treatment of PTSD for health and wellness. 100% of the proceeds of this class will go to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross Chapter's Tornado Relief Fund.
In addition, Heartsong Yoga will collect non perishable food donations for the Open Pantry, and these can be dropped off at any time through the week of June 21st. You can contact Heartsong Yoga at 414-525-0720, they are located at 264 North Main St. "Condo East" in East Longmeadow, MA, or visit the web at www.heartsongyoga.com for a full schedule of the evening's events. All proceeds from Heartsong's four regular "drop in" classes on June 21st, morning and evening, will also be donated to the relief fund as well, call or visit the web for details.
kategray boutique of East Longmeadow begins clothing drive
Starting Thursday, June 9, there will be a donations drive at kategray store, 32 Center Square, East Longmeadow. Our goal is to be able to distribute a new professional wardrobe to anybody in need - right here at the store.
Business and work clothes, shoes and accessories in very good condition are badly needed. Personal items (soaps, new tooth brushes, tooth paste, body wash), food items, children's items and games, paper towels, 60 gallon trash bags, pet items and canned pet food will also be greatly appreciated.
Other items will be taken to Dakin Humane Center, Salvation Army and other local organizations directly involved with Tornado Relief services. Call (413) 318-0141 for more information.
Fancy That Antiques of Monson offers to aid tornado victims
From Christian Lund, Fancy That Antiques:
I am donating half of the antique merchandise up for Auction in Monson in my store to help the tornado victims.I would like to also get the word out that if anyone has the following items, Old wrist watches, pocket watches, any sort of gold, silver, old coins, fine estate jewelry, old post cards, and costume jewelry. Any of these items that I buy, I will pay them and extra 15% towards Local Tornado Victims. For information call 413 599 4705.
The army called the assertions of collusion with militants "totally false and malicious."
Associated PressPakistan's army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, right, and Pakistan's intelligence chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha attend an inaugural meeting of Pakistan Afghanistan's joint peace commission at Prime Minister House in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, June 11, 2011.
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's army on Friday disputed reports that its security forces had tipped off insurgents at bomb-making factories after getting intelligence about the sites from the United States.
The Foreign Ministry also lodged a protest with the American embassy over a purported attack on a Pakistani military post — the latest signs of strained relations since the U.S. killed Osama bin Laden last month without notifying officials here ahead of time.
The army called the assertions of collusion with militants "totally false and malicious."
American officials told The Associated Press in early June that they'd shared satellite information with Pakistan about two militant bomb-making factories. Within 24 hours, they said they watched the militants clear out the sites, raising suspicions that the Pakistanis had shared the information.
In a carefully worded, two-paragraph statement Friday, the army never says the U.S. shared intelligence on the sites in question. But it said its attempts to destroy four militant bomb-making factories only partly succeeded because intelligence on two of the sites was wrong.
It also was unclear about the sites' exact location and does not say when the raids occurred. But it's likely to further add to tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan, which have been unusually high since the U.S. raid that killed bin Laden.
Various media accounts said the factories were in the Waziristan stretch of Pakistan's tribal belt, where al-Qaida and Taliban fighters have long proliferated. The intelligence sharing was part of a U.S. attempt to improve the relationship with Pakistan.
Bin Laden's presence there has only added to U.S. suspicions that elements within Pakistan's powerful security establishment were playing a "double game" by colluding with some militants while going after others.
Pakistani leaders have denied knowing that bin Laden was in Abbottabad — and U.S. officials have said there's no evidence yet that the upper ranks of the Pakistani military or civilian leadership helped hide him. But Pakistanis are furious that the U.S. staged the raid without any warning or Islamabad's consent.
They also are angry over a series of recent media reports that seem to cast more doubt on their activities, including the one about the factories.
Also Friday in Pakistan's northwest, security forces backed by artillery killed 12 Islamist militants in a tribal region where insurgents have been mounting cross-border attacks from Afghanistan, a government administrator said.
The attacks have upset Pakistan, which says they are happening because U.S. and NATO forces are not doing enough to protect the territory on the Afghan side. Western forces have had the same complaints about Pakistan's activities on its side of the boundary.
The search operation Friday took place in the Mamund area of the Bajur tribal region. It came a day after more than 200 militants launched a cross-border attack on the same area, killing five people.
Government official Tariq Khan said Friday's search came after fresh intelligence reports on militants coming from Afghanistan to the area to target tribal militiamen and troops stationed there.
"We are deploying additional security forces in our villages and towns located near the Afghan border to protect our areas," he said, adding that tribal elders were asked to remain vigilant and alert authorities of any militant movement.
The information could not be verified independently because access to the area is restricted.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Friday it had lodged protests with the U.S. and Afghanistan over incursions across the border.
In a statement, it said it had told the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad of its "serious concern" about an alleged air incursion by NATO aircraft 2.5 miles inside the Mohmand tribal area, in which a Pakistani military post was "attacked."
Ministry spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua told The Associated Press the incident occurred around 9 a.m. Friday, but that no casualties were apparently involved. The ministry has requested a joint probe into the alleged incursion.
The ministry said it also summoned a top Afghan embassy official to lodge a protest about the insurgent incursions into Bajur.
U.S., NATO and Afghan officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pakistan's military has launched offensives aimed at clearing Bajur of al-Qaida and Taliban fighters, but the militants there still retain the ability to strike. The U.S. has supported Pakistan's efforts to clear Bajur, but it has also pushed it to go after militants in North Waziristan. Many of the militant groups in that region are focused on attacking Western forces in Afghanistan.
However, Pakistan has resisted the appeals to go into North Waziristan. It says it is too stretched fighting militant groups that have staged attacks on its soil to open up a new front. Some critics believe Pakistan wants to remain on good or at least neutral terms with the North Waziristan militants so that it has allies in Afghanistan once the U.S. withdraws from the region.
State police Capt. Peter Higgins is handling the investigation.
The Republican | John SuchockiHolyoke provisional fire chief William P. Moran.
HOLYOKE - State police are investigating whether there was criminal activity in relation to an incident earlier this week that prompted the Holyoke Fire Commission to place provisional fire chief William P. Moran on paid administrative leave, commission chairwoman Priscilla F. Chesky said Friday.
Chesky acknowledged the state police investigation following an emergency meeting of the fire commission Friday afternoon. The commission voted 2-0 to formalize the decision to put Moran on paid administrative leave that Chesky made Wednesday, when the incident occurred.
A press release from the office of Mayor Elaine A. Pluta Wednesday said that Moran was put on paid administrative leave pending “an internal investigation by the Fire Commission due to an incident at the Holyoke Fire Department.”
Asked Friday whether the investigation might result in Moran and other fire department employees losing their jobs, Chesky said, "I don't know. That's still to be determined."
So far, officials have declined to explain the incident. According to sources who spoke to The Republican and MassLive.com, Moran is suspected of sending an engine company to a false call. During the response around noon on Wednesday, several vehicles collided at Homestead Avenue and Pynchon Road when one vehicle failed to pull over for a fire truck.
Moran, a 27-year veteran who became provisional chief in September, declined to comment when reached Wednesday and did not return a call seeking comment Thursday.
"There's a lot of rumors floating around as to what happened in this incident that we are looking into," Chesky said after Friday's meeting. Chesky pledged that the board of fire commissioners would be "as transparent in this investigation as we can be" without violating anyone's personal rights.
State police Capt. Peter Higgins attended the meeting and is handling the investigation. Higgins declined to comment on the matter.
The commission also voted 2-0 to formalize Chesky's decision to make deputy chief Robert Shaw the provisional fire chief.
Chesky said she wanted to assure residents that the fire department will be providing its same level of protection, despite the investigation and temporary change in leadership.
"The fire department is running effectively with all of the great staff we have here," Chesky said.
The commission consists of three members. Attending Friday's meeting with Chesky was commissioner Juan Pedrosa. Commissioner William McCoy was absent.
A man charged with fatally shooting a 74-year-old man in Hartford has also confessed to the killing of convenience store clerk in Manchester, the Hartford Courant reports.
File photo / Associated PressFormer Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi makes a statement outside the Federal Courthouse in Boston, Wednesday afternoon, after his conviction on conspiracy and other charges in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments. Click on the link, above right, for a report from the Boston Herald about state Treasurer Steve Grossman seeking to halt DeMasi's pension.
Staind frontman Aaron Lewis with children who will attend the newly formed private R.H. Conwell Education Center in Worthington at the Pines Theater in Look Park during the Aug. 14, 2010 concert to benefit Lewis' It Takes a Community Foundation.
