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Amherst, Northampton, Longmeadow among 'best-educated communities in Massachusetts'

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Brookline ranked at the top of the list, but Western Massachusetts locales weren't far behind.

Amherst, Northampton and Longmeadow have been named among the brainiest communities in the Bay State.

A Boston Business Journal list released Friday shows which 20 towns in Massachusetts boast the highest percentage of adults with advanced and bachelor's degrees. The publication also used household income levels as a metric.

Brookline ranked at the top of the list, but Western Massachusetts locales weren't far behind.

In Amherst Center, which came in at at No. 5, 46 percent of its residents older than 18 have advanced degrees, while 67 percent hold bachelor's degrees.

The list also named North and South Amherst, which ranked at 18 and 16, respectively.

Longmeadow made the No. 19 spot, as 34 percent of its adults hold advanced degrees and 61 percent hold bachelor's degrees.

Northampton took the last spot, with 33 percent of its adults holding advanced degrees and 56 percent holding bachelor's degrees.

The data was gathered by the Boston Business Journal and parent company American City Business Journals in 40 markets across the U.S. The "best-educated" list is part of a larger project by the company that identifies the richest and poorest towns in the country.


Extremist group Mourabitounes claims responsibility for Mali hotel attack

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Mourabitounes, an extremist group that two years ago split from al-Qaida's North Africa branch, claimed responsibility for the attack on a Mali hotel.

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) -- Islamic extremists armed with guns and throwing grenades stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Mali's capital Friday morning, killing at least three people and hostages. Malian troops, backed by special forces from America and France, reacted quickly.

As people ran for their lives near the luxury hotel along a dirt road, the soldiers in full combat gear pointed the way to safety, sometimes escorting civilians with a protective arm around their shoulders.

Within hours, local TV images showed heavily armed troops in what appeared to be a lobby area. Malian state TV reported that 80 people have been freed.

An extremist group that two years ago split from al-Qaida's North Africa branch and led by Moktar Belmoktar claimed responsibility for the attack, in a recorded statement carried by Al-Jazeera. The group said it wanted fighters freed from Mali's prisons and for attacks against northern Malians to stop.

The jihadist group, known as the Mourabitounes, was formed in 2013 after Belmoktar left al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb and fused with a Malian militant group. The statement issued Friday said the Mourabitounes had attacked in coordination with the "Sahara Emirate" affiliated with al-Qaida.

Gunfire continued into the late afternoon. Malian army commander Modibo Nama Traore said operations were continuing and it was not yet confirmed that all hostages are freed.

Malian special forces were freeing hostages "floor by floor," Traore told The Associated Press. Still, Rezidor Hotel, the Brussels-based group that operates the hotel, said hours after the assault began that 125 guests and 13 employees remained in the hotel.

U.S. special forces troops were assisting Malian forces in hostage rescue efforts, said Col. Mark Cheadle of the U.S. Army's Africa Command. President Barack Obama said he's monitoring the situation. At least six Americans were evacuated from the hotel but it was unclear how many more may be inside, Cheadle said.

France's national gendarme service said about 40 French special police forces were playing a support role. The French defense ministry said French soldiers have arrived in Bamako to support Malian forces.

The guests at the sprawling, cream-and-pink colored luxury hotel, which has 190 rooms and features a spa, outdoor pool and ballroom, came from many countries. But the attack was perceived by many in France, particularly in the government, as a new attack on French interests, a week after the Paris attacks.

The French military operation in Mali in 2013 against Islamic extremists who were holding the northern half of the country was the first of several foreign interventions that President Francois Hollande has launched as president. Those interventions have prompted increased threats against France and French interests from Islamic extremist groups from al-Qaida's North African arm to the Islamic State group.

"This could be a strike at important French interests because the French government invested so much military energy in pushing the Islamic rebels out of Mali," said Jens David Ohlin, an international law expert at Cornell University in the United States. "While Mali might not have the same emotional significance to the French as Paris does, it is certainly an important part of the French military strategy."

French news websites and all-news television networks immediately switched from nearly non-stop coverage of the Paris attacks investigation and aftermath to nearly non-stop coverage of the Bamako standoff. Air France says 12 members of one of its plane crew who are staying at the attacked hotel in Bamako are all safe.

Traore said at least one guest reported that the attackers instructed him to recite verses from the Quran before he was allowed to leave the hotel.

It was not immediately clear which Muslim extremist groups might be behind the attack, which unfolded one week after the attacks on Paris that killed 130 people. A handful of jihadi groups seized the northern half of Mali -- a former French colony -- in 2012 and were ousted from cities and towns by the French military intervention.

French President Francois Hollande said: "We should yet again stand firm and show our solidarity with a friendly country, Mali."

Traore said 10 gunmen had stormed the hotel shouting "Allahu Akbar," or "God is great," in Arabic before firing on the guards. A staffer at the hotel who gave his name as Tamba Diarra said over the phone that the attackers used grenades in the assault.

Monique Kouame Affoue Ekonde, from Ivory Coast, said she and six other people, including a Turkish woman, were escorted out by security forces as the gunmen rushed "toward the fifth or sixth floor."

"I think they are still there. I've left the hotel and I don't know where to go. I'm tired and in a state of shock," she said.

Belgian foreign minister Didier Reynders said that four Belgians were registered at the hotel but their whereabouts were unknown.

Citing Chinese diplomats in Mali, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that about 10 Chinese citizens were sheltering inside their hotel rooms. The embassy was in phone contact with them and all were reported safe, according to the report. All are employees of Chinese companies working in Mali.

Five Turkish Airlines personnel were among the freed hostages, Turkey's state-run news agency said.

All 20 Indians staying at the hotel in Bamako have been safely evacuated, Vikas Swarup, spokesman for India's foreign ministry tweeted. Swarup gave no other details.

The U.N. mission said it was sending security reinforcements and medical aid to the scene. U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said some U.N. "quick-reaction forces" deployed to the hotel and are supporting Malian and other security forces. He said the United Nations had a few staff members in the Radisson hotel at the time of the attack but they are all safely out.

Ambulances were seen rushing to the hotel as a military helicopter flew overhead.

Northern Mali remains insecure and militant attacks have extended farther south this year, including the capital. In March masked gunmen shot up a restaurant in Bamako that is popular with foreigners, killing five people.

France has 3,500 troops operating in Mali and four other countries in the Sahel region as part of a five-nation counterterrorism operation codenamed Barkhane. The ministry did not specify how many soldiers have been sent to the Malian capital.

The Netherlands also has troops working with the UN mission in Mali. According to the Dutch defense ministry, some 450 Dutch military personnel are taking part in the mission along with four Apache and three Chinook helicopters. Most of the Dutch force is based in Gao, but there are a few officers at the U.N. mission headquarters in Bamako.

Springfield police ID latest homicide victim at Kenneth Taitt, 28; suspects sought

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Taitt was shot Thursday afternoon on Sachem Street in the Forest Park neighborhood.

SPRINGFIELD -- Police on Friday released to the press the identity of the man shot to death Thursday on Sachem Street as 28-year-old Kenneth T. Taitt.

Taitt, who lived on Noel Street, was shot just before 2 p.m. on Sachem Street and critically injured.

He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance but later died.

The city's ShotSpotter detection system recorded as many as six shots fired in the area of Sachem Street. Springfield police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney said Taitt was killed by a single gunshot wound.

Delaney said police are still looking for suspects in the shooting. There have been no arrests.

Delaney did not disclose any information about any motives for the shooting or descriptions of any suspects.

Taitt was arrested on drug charges by Springfield police in 2010 after a narcotics raid on what was then his State Street residence.

Capt. Trent Duda and detectives with the Major Crime Bureau's Homicide Unit have been investigating around the clock, he said. They are seeking to talk to several witnesses, he said.

2015 Springfield homicides: List, map of murders

Police Commissioner John Barbieri ordered several stepped-up patrols in the area of Sachem Street, a dead-end street off Dickinson Street near Orange Street in the Forest Park neighborhood.

People with information are asked to call the Springfield Police Major Crime 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 shooting is the city's 17th homicide this year and the third this month.

On Nov. 1, 19-year-old Isaiah Emanuel was shot to death on Scott Street in Forest Park as he left a house party, and on Nov. 7, 40-year-old Fan Cheung Li, a delivery driver, was shot in a robbery on Homestead Avenue in Indian Orchard.

Bomb threat unfounded, all clear at State Office Building in Springfield

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Workers in the State Office Building on Dwight Street were allowed to go back to work after State Police determined a bomb threat they received Friday morning was a hoax.

SPRINGFIELD -- Workers in the State Office Building on Dwight Street were allowed to go back to work after State Police determined a bomb threat they received Friday morning was a hoax.

The building at 436 Dwight St. was evacuated after the bomb threat at around 10:20 a.m. State Police confirmed that the building was clear and people were allowed back inside. 

New England Public Radio reported that people were returning to work around noon. State Police told NEPR that the threat had been called into barracks in Springfield.

State Police troopers, the State Police Bomb Squad and investigators from the state fire marshal's office responded to the scene.

The building holds state offices, including the western Massachusetts offices of the secretary of the Commonwealth and the Department of Environmental Protection.

'Bad old days' behind it, Springfield Housing Authority boosting literacy, changing lives

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District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, master of ceremonies at the SHA breakfast, said the agency, "once infected to the core," has turned into a "pillar of the community."

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Housing Authority Executive Director William "Hank'" Abrashkin told an audience of 60 people on Friday that his agency has come a long way from the "bad old days" when it was riddled with corruption, noting that its programs promoting safety and education are working and changing lives for the better.

The SHA is the largest residential landlord in the city and the region, providing assistance in various ways for elders and families living in 5,500 units. The role of the SHA extends beyond providing shelter, Abrashkin said.

"It's tough sledding for some families," Abrashkin said during a breakfast meeting at La Quinta Inn and Suites. "We often talk about the 'cycle of poverty,' but it's really 'a cycle of disadvantage.'"

Abrashkin said the agency "is here to give them a hand up (when) they need to move forward," he said, noting that the agency gets a lot of help from the police and district attorney's office, the school system and many other community partners.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, master of ceremonies at the SHA breakfast, said the agency, "once infected to the core", has turned into a "pillar of the community."

anthony gulluni.JPGDistrict Attorney Anthony Gulluni 

Gulluni said the SHA is helping families and children with reading and life skills, counseling young people to steer away from gangs and drugs. In addition, it is educating residents about job opportunities and helping the elderly stay in their units.

Through collaborations with city schools, the SHA is working to help lift the literacy rates and aspirations of children who live in projects it operates.

One of the agency's programs, "Talk/Read/Succeed," is a coordinated effort to promote early literacy in families living in SHA properties at Sullivan and Robinson Gardens Apartments with participation of nearby Edward P. Boland and Hiram L. Dorman schools.

Abrashkin offered those attending what he called "a Readers' Digest" of the agency's reach:

  • Of the 5,500 units the agency assists, it manages and owns 2,400 units.

  • The agency handles 3,000 vouchers, mostly through Section 8 program

  • The agency has a $35 million budget and 150 employees.

  • The agency has a $150,000 contract with the police in its effort to promote safety in his housing properties.

Pedestrian walks into moving vehicle on Belchertown Road in Amherst, suffers minor injuries

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Police said the accident occurred about 7:55 a.m. after the victim got off a PVTA bus near the landfill.

AMHERST -- A person who suffered minor injuries Friday morning after walking into the side of a moving vehicle on Belchertown Road was taken to Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Police Lt. Ronald Young said the accident occurred about 7:55 a.m. after the victim got off a PVTA bus near the landfill. The accident remains under investigation, he said.

"The speed of the vehicle was slow as it had stopped for the bus," Young said.

Amherst Fire Chief W. Tim Nelson said the victim walked in front of the bus and then walked into the side of the vehicle. Additional information was not immediately available.

Springfield releases $20,000 marketing video to show positive developments in city

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The City of Springfield released a promotional video this week, designed to show positive aspects of the city to potential visitors and business owners. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- The camera pans across a shot of downtown, as a narrator declares Springfield the "city of firsts;" pedestrians cross the intersection in front of Monarch Place in time-lapse, and the city's newest development projects appear on screen, officials in hard hats holding ceremonial shovels.

They are scenes from the City of Springfield's new marketing video, released at CityStage on Wednesday, right before MGM Springfield officials took the podium to address concerns over changes to their casino project. The video is designed to highlight the positive changes within the city, said Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy -- to sum up recent economic improvements in three and half minutes on YouTube.

"The goal was that we think we have made significant progress economically here in Springfield," Kennedy said. "If you don't tell your story, nobody knows the story."

"It's time to feed good and proud of our city of Springfield," Sarno said at Wednesday's MGM presentation.

Unemployment in Springfield is still elevated above state and national averages, but has shown improvement. The city had an 8.5 percent unemployment rate in September, down from 10.7 percent at the same time last year, according to the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

The video highlights several projects that city officials have touted as key to Springfield's economic future, including the MGM Springfield casino, CRRC rail car manufacturing facility and Union Station renovation.

"In order to use a tool like this, you have to have something to promote," Kennedy said. "Today, we have something to promote."

Greater Springfield: More positives than negatives

The video was produced for about $20,000 by Chris Teebo Films, which won the contract in a public bid, Deputy Director of Economic Development Brian Connors said. Connors put together a list of scenes the city wanted shot, and the video was produced starting this summer, he said.

"We're excited. It already seems to have taken off on social media," Connors said. "I think people are happy to see something positive out there."

As of Friday morning, the video had about 3,200 views on YouTube.

The video will also be re-cut into 30 and 60 second version to use as public service announcement and is expected to the used in partnership with the city Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement District, Kennedy said.

2016 presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders, Ben Carson win Iowa Youth Caucus

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While voter support has dropped in recent weeks for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson's respective Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, the candidates saw widespread support among middle and high school students as they won the Iowa Youth Caucus this week.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ While voter support has dropped in recent weeks for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson's respective Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns, the candidates saw widespread support among middle and high school students as they won the Iowa Youth Caucus this week.

Sanders, who has trailed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in recent national polls, bested the former first lady and fellow 2016 Democratic opponent Martin O'Malley in the mock caucus. Carson, whose campaign has struggled in recent weeks, meanwhile, led the GOP presidential field with more than 22 percent of the vote.

Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate's office organized the Thursday-evening mock caucus in conjunction with the state's Republican and Democratic parties. More than 1,600 middle and high school students from 22 counties registered to participate in the fist statewide, bipartisan youth caucus event.

Not surprisingly, Sanders, whose campaign has strived to resonate with younger voters, held a wide lead over other Democratic presidential contenders, with more than half of the mock caucus participants backing the Vermont senator's White House bid.

O'Malley trailed Sanders with just under a quarter of support among youth caucus voters, while Clinton received nearly 15 percent of the vote, according to Pate's office.

Carson held a less dominant lead over 2016 Republican presidential contenders, beating out party front-runner Donald Trump by a 22 to 15 percent margin. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., trailed with nearly 15 percent, followed by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., with 14 percent.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, meanwhile, received more than 8 percent of the vote, while former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush pulled-in 7.5 percent.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, businesswoman Carly Fiorina, former Arkansas Gov. John Kasich, former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum each received less than 6 percent of the vote, Pate's office said.

The Iowa Caucus is scheduled to take place in early February.


MassDOT: Partial closure of Memorial Avenue rotary in West Springfield planned Sunday

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MassDOT is constructing improvements to two overpasses carrying Memorial Avenue over US Route 5 in West Springfield

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will partially close the Memorial Avenue/Route 147 rotary in West Springfield at night on Sunday.

MassDOT said Friday it is improving the two overpasses carrying Memorial Avenue over Route 5 in West Springfield. Paving will take place on the Memorial Avenue rotary on Sunday, from 10 p.m. to midnight.

This work will require the following road closures on Sunday:

  • Noon to approximately 3 p.m.: Closure of Route 147 eastbound between Main Street and the rotary; westbound traffic will be detoured onto Route 5.
  • Approximately 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Closure of the Memorial Bridge. Route 147 westbound will be detoured on the Springfield side of the bridge. Route 147 eastbound will be detoured onto Route 5 South.
  • 10 a.m. to midnight: Intermittent closures of the ramps between Route 5 and the Memorial Avenue Rotary.

All roads will reopen to traffic at midnight on Sunday.

Detour routes are as follows:

Noon to approximately 3 p.m.: While the Memorial Avenue Rotary and Route 147 East and West between Main Street and the Rotary are closed, follow the signed detour routes:

  • From Memorial Avenue to Downtown Springfield: Travel south on Union Street, which becomes Palmer Avenue, which becomes Agawam Avenue. Enter Route 5 South. At the South End Bridge rotary, reverse direction to Route 5 North. Exit onto the Memorial Bridge/Route 147 East.
  • From Route 5 South to Memorial Avenue: At the Route 20 rotary, exit onto Park Avenue. Turn left onto Main Street to reach Memorial Avenue.
  • From Route 5 North and the Memorial Bridge to Memorial Avenue: Follow Route 5 North to the Route 20 rotary. Exit onto Park Avenue and turn left onto Main Street to reach Memorial Avenue.

From approximately 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: While the Memorial Avenue Rotary and Memorial Bridge are closed, follow the signed detour routes:

  • From Memorial Avenue to Downtown Springfield: Travel south on Route 5 and follow the South End Bridge over the Connecticut River. Bear right onto East Columbus Avenue.
  • From Downtown Springfield to Memorial Avenue: From Boland Way, turn left onto West Columbus Avenue, which becomes Hall of Fame Avenue. Keep right and merge onto Route 5 North. Follow the South End Bridge over the Connecticut River and take the MA-57 exit. At the traffic circle, take the third exit onto MA-57 West. Exit onto Main Street/MA-159. Continue for 1 mile and turn right onto MA-147 East/Suffield Street. After crossing the Westfield River, continue onto Memorial Avenue/Route 147 East.
  • From Route 5 North to Downtown Springfield: At the Route 20 rotary, bear right to follow the North End Bridge over the Connecticut River to access downtown Springfield.
  • From Route 5 North to Memorial Avenue: At the Route 20 rotary, exit onto Park Avenue. Turn left on Main Street to reach Memorial Avenue.

From 10 a.m. to midnight: When the ramps between Route 5 and the Memorial Avenue Rotary are closed, traffic will use the Route 20 rotary and South End Bridge rotary to reverse direction.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Access will be provided to the sidewalks and unmarked crosswalks on the eastbound bridge and southern portion of the rotary. Bicyclists should walk their bikes on the sidewalks. Pedestrians coming from the northern sidewalks on the Memorial Bridge or Memorial Avenue in West Springfield should cross to the southern sidewalks prior to entering the rotary.


 

Boston Police finally release documents on cell phone trackers

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It’s known as the “StingRay,” a surveillance device that helps locate your cell phone in quick manner. And after a lengthy back-and-forth with a privacy proponent who made a public records request, the Boston Police Department has reluctantly released a document showing their interest in using them.

BOSTON - It's known as the "StingRay," a surveillance device that helps locate your cell phone in quick manner.

And after a lengthy back-and-forth with a privacy proponent who made a public records request, the Boston Police Department has reluctantly released a document showing their interest in using them.

As WGBH reported yesterday:

The FBI has used cell site simulators since at least 1995, and closely guards the technology's particulars. As part of an arrangement between the FBI and Harris Corporation, the Florida-based manufacturer of the StingRay product line, any state or local law enforcement agency that seeks to buy a system must sign a nondisclosure agreement with the FBI.

In 2013, then-Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis signed one of those nondisclosure agreements, which was finally released to California privacy activist Mike Katz-Lacabe on Nov. 6.

Nicole Taub, a staff attorney for the Boston Police, wrote to Katz-Lacabe, arguing the department still believes the information is "exempt from disclosure." But Katz-Lacabe appealed to the Massachusetts agency in charge of public records, forcing Boston Police to provide the information.

Still, the Boston Police Department continued to claim that the material shouldn't be released.

"Disclosure of the information contained in these documents would not be in the public interest and would prejudice the possibility of effective law enforcement," Taub wrote. "The protection of such investigatory materials and reports is essential to ensure that the Department can continue to effectively monitor and control criminal activity and thus protect the safety of private citizens."

Suspect in purse snatching outside Baystate Medical Center held on $50,000 bail

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Saillant "hit rock bottom" during the late summer before undergoing inpatient and outpatient drug treatment, Bergin said. "He's been clean for three months," the lawyer added.

SPRINGFIELD - A judge has set bail at $50,000 for an East Longmeadow man charged in a purse snatching outside of Baystate Medical Center.

Francisco Saillant, 48, pleaded innocent Tuesday in Springfield District Court to charges from an Aug. 24 assault on a physician's assistant reporting for work at the hospital.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said the defendant grabbed the woman's pocketbook and pushed her to the ground when she refused to give it up.

A nurse heard the victim calling for help and wrote down Saillant's license plate number as he fled, according to the prosecutor, who said the vehicle appeared on the hospital's surveillance video.

The victim identified a photo of Saillant "with 100 percent certainty," Szafranski said.

She asked for $50,000 bail, citing the details of the assault and Saillant's past arrests for shoplifting and assault and battery on a police officer.

Defense lawyer Daniel Bergin asked for $2,500 bail, saying his client has limited income and has recently overcome his drug addiction.

Saillant "hit rock bottom" during the late summer before undergoing inpatient and outpatient drug treatment, Bergin said.

"He's been clean for three months," Bergin said.

No weapon was used in the assault, and no money was taken from the victim, according to Bergin, who said his client is an iron worker and commercial truck driver with a minimal criminal record.

Until his arrest this week, Saillant was unaware that a warrant had been issued for him following the alleged attack, Bergin said.

At the prosecutor's request, Judge William Boyle set bail at $50,000 and continued the case to Dec. 15.

 

East Longmeadow to hold informational meeting on opioid addiction

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As the opioid crisis remains a scourge on Massachusetts, the town is encouraging community members' attendance at next month's community night meeting on the subject of addiction.

EAST LONGMEADOW — As the opioid crisis remains a scourge on Massachusetts, the town is encouraging community members' attendance at next month's community night meeting on the subject of addiction.

The Dec. 8 meeting, which will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Birchland Park Middle School, will include a panel of speakers with personal stories regarding addiction, a release from the town says. A question and answer session will follow.

"Community is the backbone of the recovery movement," the release says. "We need to change the public's perception of addiction."

Sponsors of the evening include East Longmeadow Public Schools, the East Longmeadow Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Department.

Yesterday's top stories: Buffalo Bills defensive back calls Patriots 'disrespectful,' bomb threat reported in downtown Springfield, and more

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A toddler missing from her home for three hours on Friday morning was later found miles from her home naked with her head shaved.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. The second biggest item overall, however, was the weekly Pet Project photo gallery, above.

1) Tom Brady, New England Patriots were 'very disrespectful' in Week 2 vs. Buffalo, says Bills DB [Kevin Duffy]

2) Bomb threat reported downtown Springfield in Dwight Street building [Rebecca Everett]

3) Lyndon Albers, missing Hamilton toddler, found naked with head shaved 8 miles from home [Lindsay Corcoran]

4) Springfield police ID latest homicide victim as Kenneth Taitt, 28; suspects sought [Patrick Johnson]

5) Boston Red Sox rumors: After Craig Kimbrel trade, Sox still need to add one more reliever [Christopher Smith]

Longmeadow students to sell light bulbs as fundraiser, encouragement to lower electricity use

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The Longmeadow school system this year will take part in the "Change a Light, Change the World" fundraiser, which is put on by electric utility Eversource Energy.

LONGMEADOW — An upcoming student sales drive should raise funds and lower electricity use.

The Longmeadow school system this year will take part in the "Change a Light, Change the World" fundraiser, which is put on by electric utility Eversource Energy, Eversource energy efficiency consultant Tony Fornuto said Friday.

"It's part of our commitment through the (Massachusetts) Green Communities Act to educate the kids on how to conserve electricity," Fortuno said.

Eversource will put on presentations at Longmeadow schools, and provide LED lightbulbs and "advanced" power strips for students to sell in their community. Proceeds from the $4 to $9 lightbulbs and the $10 power strips will go directly to the schools, for them to spend as they wish.

In addition to raising money for their schools, students learn valuable lessons about electricity use and conservation through the program, Eversource spokesman Bill Stacks said in a prepared statement.

"We've found that when students are taught about energy efficiency at an early age, it forms habits that will stay with them for life."

 

Dalton officer to be charged with choking, putting gun to woman's head

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Dalton police officer James Scace will be arraigned on charges he choked a woman, then put his gun to her head during a bout of drinking.

PITTSFIELD— A Dalton police officer will be arraigned on charges he beat a woman, choked her and then put his service pistol to her head, according to an investigation summary filed in Central Berkshire District Court earlier this month.

The Berkshire Eagle is reporting that 47-year-old James Scace will be arraigned December 3 on two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, domestic assault and battery, strangulation and witness intimidation. He was released on his personal recognizance provided he not possess any firearms.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Massachusetts State Police Detective Brian Foley, Scace first came to the attention of authorities in July when he was cited with a civil motor vehicle infraction while he had been consuming alcohol, the detective reported. The Dalton Police Department was informed of the infraction.

Later that same evening, Scace allegedly became enraged and began destroying property inside a house where he was living, smashed the cell phone of a woman who was present at the time. Later he allegedly threw her to the ground, kicked her in the ribs, then choked her with sufficient force to bruise her neck. The woman said later Scace put a handgun to her head in a threatening manner.

According to Foley's report, an ongoing criminal investigation had been underway since the July incident which indicated Scace demonstrated a "pattern of abusive behavior while consuming alcohol."



Palmer plans interruption of water service to 6 streets

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Those residing on the following streets will be affected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 23: High Street; Cyd Alan Street; Ware Street; Flynt Street; and Vicardav Avenue

PALMER - Residents on six streets in the Thorndike village section of Palmer will be without water during the day on Monday, due to an ongoing public works pipe replacement project, according to the town manager's office.

Those residing on the following streets will be affected from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 23:

  1. High Street
  2. Cyd Alan Street
  3. Ware Street
  4. Flynt Street
  5. Vicardav Avenue

"Please plan accordingly for this temporary shut down in service," Thorndike water district said in a statement.

Questions may be directed to the district at 289-1300.

 

Chicopee Knights of Columbus to serve 4,000 free Thanksgiving dinners on the 25th anniversary of its meal

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The event costs about $19,000 to put on and the organization is assisted by local businesses.

CHICOPEE - Having ordered two tons of turkey, more than 1,000 pounds of potatoes, 1,200 pounds of squash and 250 pounds of butter, Ron Belair is ready for Thanksgiving.

Of course he and his crew of more than 250 volunteers still have to cook and carve the turkeys, peel every single potato and make the soup and gravy to serve the traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the Knights of Columbus Council 4044.

For the 25th year in a row, the organization will welcome an estimated 1,500 people to the banquet facilities for a free Thanksgiving dinner served on china on tables set with linen table cloths, Belair said.

"This is about taking care of people," he said. "The economy appears to be getting better but there are still hundreds and hundreds of people in need."

And it isn't just people who are financially strapped that the organization wants to serve. It wants people who are alone to come and join the fun. Servers seat people together at large tables so everyone has someone to talk to, he said.

Those who come to the banquet hall at 1599 Memorial Drive are just a part of the meal. The volunteers will also prepare and send out meals for an additional about 2,500 people across the region.

"The numbers are just rolling in for home deliveries and they are on track for 2,000 meals," Belair said. "There is also a lot of outreach above and beyond what our volunteers deliver."

On Thanksgiving Day dozens of volunteer drivers will fan out through Chicopee, Holyoke, South Hadley and parts of Granby to deliver homemade turkey dinners, complete with gravy, cranberry sauce and an apple and orange, to the homebound.

The organization also prepared turkey and all the fixings for a dinner held at Kate's Kitchen in Holyoke, and boxes up dinners that will be delivered by other organizations in Ware and Westfield, he said.

On Monday night, three days before the holiday, it also provides the potatoes and vegetables to the Boys and Girls Club for its annual community dinner. The Westover Job Corps students actually cook and carve turkeys for that event, Belair said.

An expert team of about 40 to 50 volunteers begin the Thanksgiving preparation bright and early Monday morning when turkeys start going into the oven. For the next three days volunteers rotate in and out spending most of their days preparing for the meal.

"On Thanksgiving we start at about 1 a.m. We start as soon as 6 a.m. with an assembly line to box up the dinners," he said.

That alone is not an easy task. Volunteers have to fill about 2,000 small cups with cranberry sauce and fill 2,000 cups with four ounces of gravy and make sure the lid is secure. The final person makes sure a personal note with a Thanksgiving greeting is included in the bag, Belair said.

The actual meal this year will be served from noon to 2 p.m. at the Fairview Knights of Columbus on 1599 Memorial Drive. Volunteers will serve homemade turkey soup, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, squash and peas and top it all off with apple pie.

Volunteers are especially still needed for a cleanup crew which will relieve the exhausted kitchen crew which has been working for four days, he said.

"We need a fresh cleanup crew to finish off the day," he said. "We have to leave the place clean because our banquet facility needs it the next day."

While a few pot scrubbers are needed, others will be asked to do simple but time-consuming tasks such as refilling salt and pepper shakers, wiping down tables and filling sugar dispensers, Belair said.

In the past, the Knights of Columbus funded the entire dinner through proceeds from bingo and other fundraisers. However the costs of the dinner continually increase and it now costs about $19,000 to put on the giant meal.

It now holds a beer and wine tasting event to help support the dinner. In addition a number of businesses have stepped forward to donate money for the event, Belair said.

Anyone who needs a meal delivered wants to volunteer or needs more information should 533-3620.

The Westover Job Corps has also offered the use of its bus, which will pick up people who have no transportation. The bus is scheduled to stop on Exchange Street near Cabot Street at about 11:45 a.m. and will then stop at Lorraine's Soup Kitchen on Pendexter Avenue, he said.

Come to the Wilbraham Public Library for a demonstration of Ancestry Library Edition

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Participants can use either library computers or their own laptops to access the ancestry data base which is accessible in-library only.

WILBRAHAM - Librarian Mary Bell will give a hands-on demonstration of Ancestry Library Edition Dec. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Wilbraham Public Library.

She will give a brief demonstration of how to use the online resource, followed by time in which participants use library computers or their own laptops to access the database and search for themselves. All participants will be given a starter kit with forms and tips for researching genealogy.

Ancestry Library Edition includes records of the U.S. Census from 1790 to 1940, military records such as World War II draft cards and other records worldwide.

"The database is accessible in-library only, but can be used through both library computers or laptops connected to our WiFi," Bell said.

The program is free and open to the public. Space is limited due to the number of computers available, and sign-ups are going on now. For more information, contact the Wilbraham Public Library at 413-596-6141 or visit the Event Calendar online at wilbrahamlibrary.org.

This week in Springfield District Court: Man pleads innocent at 50th arraignment; undercover cop offers woman $5 for sex; and more.

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Wilbraham police arrest two teens after church break-in

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A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with Intent to commit a felony and malicious damage over $250.00 after a break-in at Wilbraham United Church.

WILBRAHAM - Police arrested two teens Friday night after a break-in at Wilbraham United Church.

Police said they were first alerted by a fire alarm at the church on Main Street around 6:30 p.m.

"Upon arriving, it was determined that the church had been forcefully entered," police said on their Facebook page. "K-9 Officer Joe Brewer was the first officer on the scene and quickly determined possible suspects."

When they entered the church, officers found an estimated thousands of dollars in damage. This included fire extinguishers that had been set off and smashed windows, police said.

A 15-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony and malicious damage over $250.00

The investigation is ongoing.

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