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Chicopee students prepare for jobs with mock interviews

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More than 150 Chicopee Comprehensive High School students were interviewed by managers of a variety of area businesses this month. Watch video

CHICOPEE - Michael Thomas has been searching for a job for some time, but felt directionless after filling out application-after-application online.

But this week Thomas had a chance to talk to employers in person and find out more about their hiring process, as managers of a variety of different businesses came to Chicopee Comprehensive High School to conduct mock interviews with students.

"They told me to try to be yourself and be honest with people who you work with," Thomas said.

On Thursday a multi-week lesson on preparing for the work force culminated with more than 150 students having a chance to interview with managers of about 25 different businesses who volunteered their time to help the school, said Kara Blanchard, community-student workforce developer for the schools.

The process will be repeated in May for students at Chicopee High School, she said.

The project started in students' English classes, where they learned to write a cover letter and resume, fill out an application and discussed the importance of having the so-called soft skills that make a good employee such as showing up on time, following instructions and being polite to customers, she said.

In a few cases companies interviewed students at the school for an actual position. Others took students' resumes and asked them to file applications.

Most students dressed up for the interviews and had a chance to interview in a group as well as one-on-one. They received verbal feedback and written feedback so they could learn from mistakes and better prepare for a real interview, Blanchard said.

"I was surprised to see how confident the students were," said Dan Bergeron, the general manager of the new Chipotle Restaurant opening in Holyoke. He was joined by Jose Puello, the general manager of the Chicopee restaurant. "The only thing I would say is what could have improved was the content of their answers."

Chipotle, which is expected to expand into several other towns soon, is constantly interviewing for employees, he said.

Mim Zayas, director of talent acquisition for United Personnel, a staffing agency in Springfield, interviewed Zachary Riopelle, 17.

Riopelle said he already works at Chic-Fil-A in Chicopee but said he still found the mock interviews helpful.

"I really enjoyed the experience," he said. "It was a good conversation."

Zayas also reviewed Riopelle's resume and made a few recommendations, including adding his hire date and information that he is currently working at Chic-Fil-A. She also gave him a few basic tips such as to turn off his cell phone during interviews.

"I think it is great to be doing this in high school," she said.

Dottie Mitchell, assistant manager at Panera Bread, in Chicopee, said her business is hiring right now so she was able to put aside some resumes from students who are interested in a job. She also told them to fill out an application online.

"I will be able to put a name with a face when they do apply," she said.

Mitchell said she conducted six mock interviews, including one girl who was exceptionally nervous and said she was worried no one would want to hire her because she had never held a job.

"I told her that that is sometimes the kind of person we want to have. When you work at another business you can develop bad habits and we get to teach you the good habits," she said.

This year the Valley Opportunity Council is expected to receive a state grant that will allow them to hire 92 low-income students for summer jobs. M.C. Silver, youth coordinator, interviewed students and also talked to them about applying for the programs through her organization if they are eligible.

"I did a lot of prompting to draw out answers from students," she said.

One of her techniques, especially in the group interviews, was to point out the types of answers business managers want to hear. That way she could give students confidence while still showing them the best way to interview.

"I think this is great. Where was this when I was looking for a job the first time," she said.

Carolyn Porter, Parks and Recreation superintendent, said she will hire about 80 students this summer for a variety of jobs in parks, at Opee Day program and other places. She handed out some applications for potential employees as well as conducting mock interviews.

"I found the students were very good. They were very prepared," she said. "What impressed me the most was the number of (business) people willing to participate in this."


State government remains open, despite snow

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State courts in seven counties delayed their openings until 10 a.m.

State government offices remain open on Monday, despite the snow.

As of 7 a.m., with steadily falling snow in eastern Massachusetts, there had been no notice of government closures.

State courts in seven counties did delay opening until 10 a.m. These courts are: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Suffolk Counties.

At 6:30 a.m., the MBTA was not reporting any winter-related delays. Some flights were cancelled out of Logan Airport in Boston.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said it had 2,855 pieces of equipment and 630 employees out clearing snow statewide. HOV lanes were closed.

MEMA warned that roads will be snow-covered during the morning commute, though conditions are expected to improve this afternoon. Snowfall is expected to end by 8 or 9 a.m. on the South Coast and by 11 a.m. or noon in the Boston area and the North Shore.

Snowfall totals were expected to range from just one or two inches in Western Massachusetts to four to six inches in the eastern part of the state.

2 men from Orange arrested by Pelham police after heroin found in car

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Police found 166 packets of heroin during a traffic stop.


PELHAM - Two men from Orange were arrested on drug charges Friday night during a routine traffic stop after police found heroin, cocaine and other drugs in their car, police said.

Arrested were William Carson, 38, and Christopher Parker, 37.

Police found 166 packets of heroin in the car, plus undisclosed amounts of cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, methadone and prescription medication.

Pelham police were assisted at the scene by Massachusetts State Police and Shutesbury Police.

Amherst police investigating break-in at Southpoint Apartments allegedly involving stolen car

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The the thief fled on foot after crashing the alleged stolen car into a tree.

AMHERST - Police are investigating a break-in at Southpoint Apartments Friday night allegedly involving a stolen car, a police chase and a crash.

Few details are available but according to the police log, a break in was reported just before midnight at the East Hadley Road apartment complex.

Police reported that just before 5 a.m. the vehicle - a 2007 Chrysler Town Car - that had been allegedly stolen pulled out of the parking lot at Southpoint then collided with a tree. 

The operator fled and police later found the operator as well as additional stolen items.

Police could not say what those items were.

There were no injuries reported.

Police are expecting to summons the operator to court as the investigation continues.

Northampton Police to offer $15 rabies shots for dogs and cats

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The clinic, organized in partnership with the North King Animal Clinic, will run from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m on April 2.

NORTHAMPTON -- The Northampton Police Department will host a a rabies immunization clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets at Smith Vocational and Agricultural School on April 2.

The clinic, organized in partnership with the North King Animal Clinic, will run from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The shots cost $15 per animal, according to Northampton Police Capt. John Cartledge.

Animals three months or older that have never received the vaccine are eligible to receive a one-year rabies vaccine, police said. Pet owners seeking a three-year vaccine must bring proof of a valid rabies certificate.

All dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers, Cartledge said.

Massachusetts state law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months or older be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

Caucuses coming up in Wilbraham to endorse candidates for town election

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The Republican Caucus is Thursday at 7 p.m. at Wilbraham Middle School. Candidates will be endorsed for selectman, regional School Committee, library trustee, Planning Board and other positions.


WILBRAHAM
- The Wilbraham Republican Town Committee will host the Republican Town Caucus to choose candidates for the May 21st annual town election Thursday at 7 p.m. at Wilbraham Middle School.

All Republicans enrolled in Wilbraham are invited to attend and participate. Everyone else is welcome to attend as non-participating guests.

Candidates for the positions of selectman, assessor, regional School Committee, Cemetery Commissioner, Water Commissioner, two library trustee members, Planning Board and Housing Authority will be selected.

Nominations for any of those positions will be taken from the floor.

For more information or to give prior notification of your interest in running, send an email to daveasanders@charter.net, with the subject listed as Caucus.

The selectmen position is currently held by Republican Robert J. Boilard, the assessor position is held by Republican Roger Roberge II, and the regional School Committee position is held by Republican Michael Mazzuca.

The Water Commissioner position is held by Republican Mary McCarthy, the library trustee positions are held by Republican James Jurgens and a Republican appointee, the Planning Board position is held by Democrat John McCloskey, the Wilbraham Housing Authority position is held by Republican Judy Cezeaux, and the Cemetery position is held by a Republican appointee, according to information provided by the town clerk's office.

The Wilbraham Democratic Caucus to endorse candidates to run in the May 21st annual town election is set for March 30th at 7 p.m. in the Brooks Room of the Wilbraham Public Library.

For anyone who wants to run on the town ballot without the endorsement of the Democratic or Republican caucuses, the deadline to return nomination papers is April 4th at 5 p.m. in the town clerk's office.

Nomination papers are available in the town clerk's office until March 31st.

A total of 50 signatures from registered Wilbraham voters are required to have a name listed on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate.

Anyone with questions should contact the town clerk's office at 596-2800, extension 200.

Wednesday is last day to register to vote in April 12 annual town election

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The Board of Registrars is holding extended hours Wednesday.

HADLEY - Wednesday is the last day to register to vote in the April 12 annual town election.

Voters will decide races for Select Board and Treasurer.

Not other race is contested. For Select Board, incumbents Guilford Mooring and John C. Waskiewicz II are seeking reelection to second terms and are facing a challenge by former selectman Donald J. Pipczynski.

Pipczynski was also on the town's Finance Committee.

Linda Sanderson, who won the treasurer's seat in last year's election to serve the final year in former treasurer Constance Mieczkowski's term, is seeking the full three-year term. She is facing a challenge from Kristen Parmenter.

Absentee ballots are meanwhile available for the election in the event voters are unable to vote in person that day.

People can apply at the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall.

The Board of Registrars, meanwhile, will be holding office hours until 8 p.m. Wednesday to register voters.

Hampden selectmen talking about middle school regionalization at meeting tonight

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Selectman John Flynn said he wants a full board to discuss the proposal. The selectmen's meeting is at 6 p.m. at the Hampden Town Hall.

HAMPDEN - The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet tonight at 6 p.m. at Hampden Town Hall and is expected to discuss whether the board will support a proposal by the regional School Committee to close Thornton Burgess Middle School in the fall and send middle school students to Wilbraham Middle School.

Regional Superintendent M. Martin O'Shea said he wants to know whether the board will support amending the regional school agreement on Town Meeting floor to allow middle school students to attend school out of town.

Selectman John D. Flynn said he would like a full board to discuss the issue. He said the School Committee can take the matter to town meeting with or without the support of the Board of Selectmen.

Flynn said selectmen favor making the proposal to regionalize the middle schools, if it is approved at the April 25th annual town meeting, subject to referendum approval in the May 2nd annual town election.

Town Moderator Robert Howarth said the town is looking for a large venue to hold the April 25th annual town meeting to give as many residents as possible a chance to be heard on the issue.

The regional School Committee is recommending regionalizing the middle schools in Hampden and Wilbraham as a cost cutting measure, due to declining enrollment.


Hatfield woman charged with drunken driving following Hadley crash

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Jocelyn Brick, was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, second offence and other charges, police said.


HADLEY - A 27-year-old Hatfield woman was arrested and charged with drunken driving following a Sunday evening car accident on Rocky Hill Road in which she drove off the road and flipped her car onto its side, police said.

The driver, Jocelyn Brick, was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, second offence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, marked lanes violation, and possession of a class E substance.

An ambulance was dispatched to the scene, but Brick declined treatment, police said.

The accident happened on a section of Rocky Hill Road where there is a sharp curve. Her vehicle failed to negotiate the curve, flipped over and struck a tree.

The accident happened shortly before 9 p.m.

Rocky Hill Road, a common route between Hadley and Amherst for drivers seeking to avoid Route 9, was closed in both directions for about an hour, police said.

Wilbraham police: 'Don't feed the bears'

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Bear sightings have been reported in the past week in the area of 800 Tinkham Road, a populous area of town, Police Sgt. Mark Paradis said.

WILBRAHAM — There have been two or three bear sightings in the area of 800 Tinkham Road in the past week, Wilbraham Police Sgt. Mark Paradis said.

"The bears are waking up," Paradis said.

He said 800 Tinkham Road is a populous area of town, but it is not unusual for Wilbraham to have bear sightings during the year.

About a year and a half ago, there was a bear sighting outside Mile Tree School, Paradis said. He said there was a report last week of someone leaving food out the for bears, which should not be done in a residential area.

If anyone is bothered by bears, they should remove bird feeders, Paradis said.

"We are just advising people to stay inside if they see a bear and call police," the officer said.

He said police have no plans to remove the bears.


Death toll at 26 as Belgian officials confirm explosions were 'terrorist attacks'

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Belgian officials are now confirming that the explosions at a Brussels airport and metro station during that city's morning rush hour were terrorist attacks, and at least one was likely executed by a suicide bomber.

BRUSSELS - Belgian officials are now confirming that the explosions at a Brussels airport and metro station during that city's morning rush hour were terrorist attacks, and at least one was likely executed by a suicide bomber.

The latest Belgian media reports indicate 11 have died at Brussels' Zavantem airport, citing Minister of Social Affairs and Health Maggie De Block. Earlier reports put the death toll at the airport at the 13. Dozens were reportedly injured.

A Belgian subway official told the Associated Press that at least 15 have died and 55 were injured in the attack that followed in the Maelbeek metro station.

The city is shut down as Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said authorities are concerned that there will be more attacks, the Associated Press.

"What we feared has happened" Michel said at a press conference, and there are "many dead, many injured." He also said border controls have been reinforced, according to the AP.

Explosions rock Brussels airport, subway system

The prosecutor's office warned residents to stay where they are. All flights have been grounded, the subway system has ceased running, and Eurostar has suspended high-speed rail service to Brussels-Midi station, according to the Associated Press. That is the rail service links London with Brussels and Paris via the Channel Tunnel.

The first two explosions occurred at the airport just after 8 a.m. local time, according to National Public Radio. The third explosion followed at the metro station, about seven miles away.

No group claimed responsibility for the attacks Tuesday morning. Michel said there was no evidence linking Salah Abdeslam, the man believed to be the only living suspect from the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in Paris, to the blasts.

Belgian authorities had said that they were concerned there may be vengeful attacks in the wake of the arrest of Abdeslam, NPR reported.

Abdeslam was arrested in a Brussels neighborhood four days ago, and authorities said they found a large cache of weapons and believe he has accomplices still working to carry out more attacks, according to NPR.

Abdeslam had told authorities he had created a new network and was planning new attacks, the Associated Press reported.

Anthony Deloos, an employee of services company Swissport, told the Associated Press that the first explosion took place near a counter where customers pay for overweight baggage. He and colleague said second blast was near the Starbucks.

"Twenty meters (yards) from us we heard a big explosion," and shredded paper was flying through the air, Deloos told the Associated Press. "I jumped into a luggage chute to be safe," he said.

Leaders around Europe reacted to the news and those in France, Great Britain and the Netherlands also announced they were increasing security at transportation hubs. France has remained in a state of emergency since the Nov. 13 attacks that killed 130 people.

Authorities told NBC that police in New York City are stepping up security at airports as usual after overseas terrorist attacks.

The AP reported Facebook has activated its "safety check" system to help people check in with friends and family to ensure they are safe after the attacks.

Springfield man denies selling cocaine at barber shop; bail set at $15,000

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Police seized $1,238 cash, 20 grams of powdered cocaine, one rock of crack cocaine, and a 22 cal firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition during the raid at the Springfield Barber Shop on Bridge Street.

SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield man arrested when police raided a downtown barber shop is being held on $15,000 bail.

Cesar Arroyo, 40, pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and resisting arrest during his arraignment Monday in Springfield District Court.

At a prosecutor's request, Judge Matthew Shea set bail at $15,000 for Arroyo. A second suspect, Adrian Acevedo, 30, of Springfield, was ordered held on $5,000 bail.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said police seized $1,238 cash, 20 grams of powdered cocaine, one rock of crack cocaine, and a 22 caliber firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition during the raid Friday afternoon at the Springfield Barber Shop on Bridge Street.

The prosecutor asked for $25,000 bail for Acevedo, who was charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in addition to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.

Acevedo's lawyer opposed the request, saying he had no criminal record and posed no flight risk.

The prosecutor asked for $15,000 for Arroyo, citing the nature of the new charges and his past criminal record.

Shea set bail at $15,000 for Arroyo and $5,000 for Acevedo, and continued the case for a pretrial hearing next month.

 

South Hadley selectmen to discuss controversial crumb rubber playing field proposal for high school

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The Selectboard meeting on March 22 will be at the Senior Center, located on 45 Dayton Street, to begin at 7 p.m.

SOUTH HADLEY - Selectmen are scheduled to vote Tuesday whether to replace a grass-laden high school playing field with a controversial substance that the Environmental Protection Agency says requires more study to determine if there could be potential health risks.

A crumb-rubber material substance was proposed to be used on the high school ball field.

The selectboard meeting tonight, Tuesday, will be at the Senior Center, at 45 Dayton St., starting at 7.

"Synthetic turf bid award" is listed under new business on the agenda.

"Concerns have been raised by the public about the safety of recycled tire crumb used in playing fields and playgrounds in the United States," the EPA says on its website.

"Limited studies have not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with tire crumb, but the existing studies do not comprehensively evaluate the concerns about health risks from exposure to tire crumb."

Last month the EPA announced a multi-agency "action plan to study key environmental human health questions" related to using crumb-rubber on playing fields.

"Because of the need for additional information, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are launching a multi-agency Federal research action plan on recycled tire crumb used on playing fields and playgrounds to study key environmental human health questions," the EPA's notice reads.

The agency indicated that it launched the initiative on Feb. 12.

On Jan. 16, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Bill Nelson, D-Fla., wrote to President Obama - seeking action to determine if crumb-rubber is safe.

"We believe that a more comprehensive federal study on this matter, one that draws not only from the public safety expertise of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but from the public health and environmental expertise of agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Protection Agency, would more fully inform the public on any potential public health or safety impacts associated with crumb rubber," the senators wrote.

In a report issued to the selectboard last week, town administrator Michael Sullivan said bids to install a crumb-rubber synthetic turf at the high school field came in at less than $900,000.

"If the selectboard approves the contract, it will allow the turf to be installed over the next few months with minimal or no interruption to recreational services. This project has been coordinated by the recreation director Andy Rogers and has wide support from the Schools, youth leagues, players and parents according to his reports and from what I have heard, as well," Sullivan wrote.

The town's Board of Health discussed the artificial turf proposal at meetings last year, raising some concerns, and is expected to discuss it some more at its April 6 meeting.

Vermont State Police: Burlington officer fatally shoots knife-wielding man after hours-long standoff

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The 76-year-old man was shot by a Burlington police officer after he advanced toward responding officers with the knives. Vermont State Police are investigating.

BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Police fatally shot a 76-year-old College Street man, armed with two large knives, after an hours-long standoff at his apartment Monday night.

Ralph "Phil" Grenon was shot by a Burlington police officer after he advanced towards responding officers with the knives inside the apartment at 101 College St., according to a release issued by Vermont State Police.

During the course of the standoff, which began shortly after 5 p.m., police deployed a Taser against Grenon at least twice and "pepper balls" which apparently had little or no effect on him, state police said.

Burlington police responded to Apt. 209 at that address at the request of a crisis worker with the Street Outreach Team. While they were on the way, they received a call from the building manager stating that Grenon was threatening other tenants.

Upon arrival, police attempted to make contact with Grenon who refused to open the door. When police opened the door, he was standing inside holding two large knives, one in each hand.

When Grenon ignored commands to drop the knives, police used a Taser on him which was not effective, state police said. Grenon then shut the door and police backed away.

Over the next few hours, police unsuccessfully attempted to establish communication with Grenon. Officers then drilled a hole above the door and inserted a camera in an attempt to see him but they could not.

Police, utilizing tactical shields, then entered the apartment, announced their presence and found the 76-year-old standing in the shower of the bathroom with the curtain drawn. Grenon, however, refused to respond to verbal commands to come out and speak with officers.

When officers slightly pulled the shower curtain back, they saw Grenon and he was holding at least one knife. That's when they deployed the pepper balls.

After a period of time, officers again opened the shower curtain and saw that Grenon was holding two knives. He made a thrusting motion towards one of the officers and they used the Taser a second time.

Grenon, still holding both knives, then stepped out of the shower and moved towards the officers. They backed away into the adjoining bedroom and that's when one of the officers fired, striking Grenon multiple times.

Police immediately removed the knives and began medical assistance. Burlington Fire Department personnel were staged at the scene and took Grenon to the University of Vermont Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at 10:02 p.m.

Burlington police turned over the investigation to state police detectives and they continue to investigate. They are working closely with the Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office

Body camera video footage from the officers on scene has been turned over to detectives.

The Chief Medical Examiner's office is slated to perform an autopsy on Grenon Tuesday.

Once the investigation is complete there will be an independent review conducted by the Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office and the Attorney General's Office as is customary for all officer involved shootings.

The identity of the Burlington police officer involved in the shooting has not been released.

Middle School merger proposal may be withdrawn, Hampden Selectmen Chair Vincent Villamaino says

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If the school district votes to withdraw the proposal, it will not appear on the April 25th annual town meeting warrant.

HAMPDEN - The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee may vote to withdraw an article for the Hampden annual town meeting warrant which would allow for the closure of Thornton Burgess Middle School, Selectmen Chairman Vincent Villamaino said Monday night.

Villamaino, who had hip surgery a week ago, made the remarks at the Hampden Board of Selectmen meeting which he participated in remotely by telephone Monday night.

If the school district votes to withdraw the article, it will not appear on the April 25th annual town meeting warrant.

Villamaino said if the regional school district votes to withdraw the warrant article, selectmen will have it removed from the town meeting warrant and from the May 2nd annual town election ballot in Hampden.

The regional School Committee and a Middle School Task Force voted to recommend closing Thornton Burgess Middle School and send all middle school students to Wilbraham Middle School, due to declining enrollment and the desire to cut costs and improve the academic program.

After opposition arose to the proposal in Hampden, regional School Superintendent M. Martin O'Shea said at a meeting in Hampden last week that he would rather see the town of Hampden "walk away from the proposal," than for it to come to a negative vote.

Villamaino said that he asked O'Shea to notify him if the school district decides to withdraw the proposal to merge the two middle schools.

Selectmen said that if the proposal to allow Hampden middle school students to attend school in Wilbraham is going to appear on the April 25th town meeting warrant, the town meeting will be held in the Bethlehem Church Assembly Hall instead of Thornton Burgess Middle School to accommodate as large a crowd as possible.

If the article is not on the ballot, the town meeting will be held at TWB, Selectman John Flynn said.

He said a robo call will go out to residents reminding them of the town meeting.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee is meeting tonight at 7 in the library at Minnechaug Regional High School.


Wagon rides Saturday down Main Street in Hampden

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Residents qre invited to stop in at Hampden Public Library and meet horse authors and leran about Blue Star Equiculture of Palmer.

HAMPDEN - Saturday is Horse Day at the Hampden Public Library.

From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. residents are invited to stop in and meet horse authors including Ruth Sanderson, Michelle Barker, Sandra Howell and Lesley Hampton.

Residents also will have the opportunity to learn about Blue Star Equiculture of Palmer. There will be horses and wagon rides down Main Street.

Blue Star Equiculture is a working horse rescue and sanctuary committed to helping horses. The mission of Blue Star Equiculture is to help working horses live out their days in comfort and dignity and help humans connect with, care for and be better partners to horses.

Baystate Health using TechSpring to bring digital revolution to health care in Western Mass.

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TechSpring recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- The doctor's house call might sound like a nostalgic reminder of the horse-and-buggy past.

But its not so quaint when the doctor "visits" a patient through the wonder of the modern, digital and connected world.

For example, diabetics check their blood sugar with a home glucometer. But soon, their doctor or another health care professional will be able to remotely monitor those glucose levels in real time and also check in with the patient regularly through a Skype-like video conference.

"It's all seamless. The patient can in a sense raise a hand and say 'I need help,' or the provider can see the data come in and contact the patient," said Christian Lagier, managing director at TechSpring and one of its co-founders.

TechSpring is located on the fifth floor of the MassLive Building, 1350 Main St., and owned by Baystate Health, the same regional health care system that owns Baystate Medical Center and four community hospitals in Westfield, Ware, Greenfield and Palmer as well as Health New England, a health insurer.

TechSpring is working on innovations like the remote monitoring technology, e-visits for health care professionals and automated kiosks where a patient steps into a photo booth-sized pod and uses attached blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes to check his own vitals while a professional looks on via computer.

TechSpring is also working to harness "big data," the accumulated statistics created by a digital, connected health care system, to aid research and improve health.

"The reality of today is that for almost all medical care, the patient has to go to a medical practice or a facility," Lagier said.

But that will have to change in the near future as belts tighten and the population ages. The focus on health care is shifting from procedures to prevention. Providers will be paid on their ability to keep their population of patients out of the hospital, not perform procedures in the hospital.

"We are building a bridge between technology innovators and health care professionals," Lagier said.

TechSpring is building those bridges by offering cooperative shared work and meeting space at its Springfield offices and by hosting monthly "Tap into TechSpring" networking mixers featuring local beer on tap.

At just more than a year old, TechSpring is engaged with 30 to 40 innovators ranging from one-person startups to tech giants like Dell and Cerner Corp.

Only about half those companies have a regular physical presence in Springfield.

"Typically, the more local and smaller players are here more often," he said. "The larger companies are more on a fly-in basis for project work and meetings."

But why do this research here, a long way from tech hubs like Silicon Valley?

Massachusetts, specifically Boston, is a tech hub, Lagier said.

In January, Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced the Comprehensive Digital Health initiative. It's a partnership designed to accelerate the competitiveness of the Commonwealth's digital health care industry.

The governor's announcement said digital health is expected to be a $32 billion market opportunity over the next decade. Massachusetts has roughly 250 existing digital health companies.

But it's Greater Springfield, not Boston, that makes an ideal lab in which to test out new health care technology, Lagier said. This area has a mix of urban, suburban and rural and of rich, middle-class and poor that mirrors the rest of the nation.

"The problems the rest of the county is facing are the problems we have here," he said. "The context here is that Baystate sees close to a million patients. It is a large enterprise that can give these technologies a platform to test and to grow."

Springfield residents donate enough water to fill tractor trailer bound for Michigan

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The water will be taken to the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan.

SPRINGFIELD —When Crystal Copeland first decided to collect water for Flint, Michigan, she thought it would fill a small U-Haul truck.

"It was just a plan for me and my friend to go to Michigan in a small truck, but once the article came out it just spread it like wildfire, and more and more people started to donate," said Copeland, referring to an article in The Republican about her collection efforts, for Flint which has high levels of led in the water.

Copeland will be driving to Flint tomorrow to meet up with Johnny Jones, a driver for Hirschbach Motor Lines. Jones will drive 789 miles to deliver a tractor trailer full of water. The company has donated its services.

"It's truly amazing," Copeland said.

In the past month Copeland has seen the generosity of individuals from across Western Massachusetts, companies like Hirschbach, St. John's Congregational Church in Springfield, and the Dunbar Community Center which allowed her to store the thousands of water bottles in a warehouse on the property.

"I just want to say thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate all the kind words, gestures, prayers and donations I am truly grateful,"

So much water was donated that some of it remains at the Community Center.

"The truck is 53-feet long. Legally I can only fill it to about 48 feet and we came pretty close to that," Jones said.

There are still over a thousand water bottles in the warehouse. Copeland is hoping to donate the water to the American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts and other organizations that may be in need.

The water on the trailer will be taken to the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church in Flint where Copeland's uncle is a deacon.

"I told them that we were coming up in a tractor trailer and they are anticipating our arrival," she said. "I spoke with a few of my family members and they said there's never too much water because they don't know how long this is going to last."

Cambridge school official Jessica Huizenga named receiver of Southbridge Public Schools

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Southbridge Public Schools have a new state-appointed head.

Southbridge Public Schools have a new state-appointed head. 

Massachusetts Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester named Jessica L. Huizenga the receiver for city schools on Tuesday. 

"Jessica Huizenga is an accomplished and experienced educator who has dedicated her career to working with teachers to ensure that students receive a strong education," Chester said in a statement Tuesday. "After the Local Stakeholder Group draws up its recommendations, Jessica and I will develop a Southbridge turnaround plan that she will implement with educators, parents, community members and students."

Huizenga has worked in Cambridge Public Schools since 2013 as assistant superintendent for curriculum. During her time in Cambridge, she led a comprehensive review of district curriculum and worked to improve professional development. Additionally, she and Cambridge teachers' union officials redesigned induction of new teacher hires in the district. 

Over her 19-year educator career, Huizenga has worked for schools in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Texas and South Carolina. 

She studied history during her undergraduate studies at Erskine College in South Carolina, holds a master's degree in education and a doctorate in education, both from University of Massachusetts Lowell. 

"I am excited to serve Southbridge students, and I look forward to building on the strengths already present in the district," Huizenga said in a statement Tuesday. "I hope that educators, parents, students and the community will see this as an opportunity to build stronger schools together."

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted 9-0 with one abstention in January to declare Southbridge Public Schools a "chronically underperforming" Level 5 district.

As a Level 5 district, control of Southbridge schools is shifted from the local level to state education officials.

Under state control, the superintendent is replaced by a receiver appointed by the education commissioner. The receiver is granted both the powers of a superintendent and the local school committee.

Huizenga will begin in the district in May with an annual salary of $175,000 as a state employee. She will work in Southbridge schools and report directly to the education commissioner on progress. 

The board's decision was influenced by low student achievement, Southbridge's performance on Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams, high suspension rates of students and a revolving door of school leadership.

In the past five years, the district has been led by seven different superintendents. The principal of the town's middle and high school has seen seven different principals since 2011.

Southbridge is the third Massachusetts school district to be declared Level 5. Holyoke Public Schools were designated chronically underperforming last year and Lawrence Public Schools were placed in state receivership five years ago.

Study: Most Northampton restaurant workers aren't paid a living wage, many are harassed on the job

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Researchers found that Northampton food service workers -- many of whom are teenagers, in their early 20s or immigrants -- are essentially being exploited, receiving low wages, few benefits and sometimes not being paid at all for overtime and hours worked off the clock.

NORTHAMPTON -- About three-quarters of those working in Northampton's restaurant industry aren't paid a living wage, and many say they have been victims of harassment on the job, according to a new report.

The study -- conducted by the Pioneer Valley Workers Center and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Labor Center -- details the working conditions at Northampton restaurants, drawing from 235 worker surveys and 32 in-depth interviews with employees from 85 city food venues.

The data was collected between March 2014 and March 2016.

Researchers found that Northampton food service workers -- many of whom are teenagers, in their early 20s or immigrants -- are essentially being exploited, receiving low wages, few benefits and sometimes not being paid at all for overtime and hours worked off the clock.

"A lot of it is really hidden," said Clare Hammonds, a researcher with the UMass Amherst Labor Center." We hope this starts a conversation about how to make sure we're supporting businesses and employers that are really doing the right thing, and taking high-road approaches."

Of those interviewed, 78 percent said they were not paid a living wage, or the minimum income necessary to meet their basic needs. In Northampton, that's about $13 an hour, Hammonds told the Northampton City Council's committee on community resources Monday night.

Northampton restaurant employees reported working an average of 32 hours a week and bringing home $380 in net earnings. Across Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, the average hourly wage for those with food preparation and serving jobs is $10.95, compared to $22.96 for all occupations.

One force causing low pay across the industry is that Massachusetts allows employers to pay tipped workers a minimum wage of $3.35 per hour, the study asserts.

"While employers are required to pay the difference if a worker's tips don't bring them to the minimum wage, that rarely occurs in practice," the report says.

"I would wish that employers would pay their workers a consistent living wage instead of having a tip jar out in front and expecting customers to subsidize their worker's wages for them," a 25-year-old interviewee, simply identified as "Jack" is quoted as saying in the report.

Some Northampton businesses have already taken action in this area. in November, Haymarket Cafe eliminated tipping and instead pays all employees $14 an hour, a rate that will increase by $1 each year until reaching $17 an hour in 2018.

Nearly all of the workers surveyed -- 96 percent -- reported that they did not have access to paid sick and vacation days, while 94 percent did not receive health insurance from their employers.

Hammonds noted that many employers aren't educated on how the earned sick time law, passed in Nov. 2014, actually works.

"Compliance still continues to be a major problem even though we have this legislation," she said.

More than 40 percent of workers said their schedule changed frequently, which researchers said "can have significant impacts on workers' lives, particularly when it comes to meeting the responsibilities of children and families."

Three-fourths never received a promotion in their food jobs, lending to what the study calls "limited mobility in the industry."

The study said 94 percent of those surveyed didn't receive health and safety training from their employers, and more than half had been burned at work.

About a third of Northampton food workers reported being verbally harassed on the job; 35 percent said it was because of their genders and another 30 percent reported that it was due to their race or immigration statuses. A quarter said they were sexually harassed at work.

Solutions

To alleviate some of these problems, the report suggests providing access to job-training programs, affordable healthcare, living wages and protection from erratic scheduling; supporting legislation that ensures enforcement of basic wage and hour laws and paid sick days; and adopting systematic and fair hiring and promotion practices, including anti-discrimination and harassment policies.

Hammonds also asked that the city to flag employers that have violated state or federal labor employment laws, so in the future business permits can be withheld.

Terry Masterson, Northampton's economic development director, said that the city should discuss the study with stakeholders "who know about operating a restaurant."

Masterson explained that the conversation around such issues are often too narrow. He said that if some restaurants are treating their employees poorly or not paying them enough, part of the problem may be that their overhead costs are too high.

"If talking about this sets off an alarm bell, let's start a conversation with building owners and change the way we're modeling this," he said.

Many restaurant jobs require little formal training, so the industry is an "important point of entry to the labor market, particularly for younger and immigrant workers," the report says. About 45 percent of restaurant workers in the Pioneer Valley are between the ages of 16 and 24, and over half are 25 and older.

But Masterson noted that some work in the food industry for decades, especially in the modern U.S. economy.

"As we watch other jobs in the country being off-shored and taken away, service jobs are more and more important," he said. "They're real jobs, not just transitional."

Adam Dunetz, owner of popular Northampton businesses The Roost and Green Bean, spoke at the meeting after the report's findings were outlined. He said that while he doesn't agree with "every single position" in the study, he agrees with most of them.

"I have been shocked to learn that there's other restaurants in town that employ people who aren't legally allowed to work in the U.S. or pay below the minimum wage," he said. "That's not a reality for me, and I'm surprised to learn that's a reality in other businesses."

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