They waved flags of all sizes, carried signs bearing slogans like "No flag = no taxpayer (money)" and sang "God Bless America" in a booming chorus. Watch video

AMHERST - A massive demonstration Sunday at Hampshire College called for the school to reverse a decision to stop flying the American flag.

Veterans groups organized the protest after the school decided to stop flying all flags on the main campus flagpole, including the U.S. flag, following several high-profile controversies. The flag was lowered by students to half-staff before Veterans Day and in response to the presidential election, and someone burned the flag the night before Veterans Day.

The college flew a new flag at full-staff on Veterans Day.

The college said it would stop flying the flag in order to allow a discussion about its many possible meanings to students and employees from diverse backgrounds. School spokesman John Courtmanche said previously that, while some students take pride in the American flag, for others it is "a powerful symbol of fear."

Hundreds of people gathered outside the West Street campus for the 1 p.m. rally. They waved flags of all sizes, carried signs bearing slogans like "No flag = no taxpayer (money)" and sang "God Bless America" in a booming chorus.

Speakers included veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh and Westfield state Rep. John Velis, who served in Afghanistan, urged Hampshire College to fly the flag again.

Micah Welintokonis, a veteran from Coventry, Conn., said the school's decision is disgraceful.

"Coddling young men and women old enough to serve our country has zero educational value," said Welintokonis. "I am frustrated by the things going on in this country. Let us pray for our nation to move forward together."

Sarno called on Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash to reverse course, saying the flag symbolizes the sacrifices of veterans and their families.

The U.S., said Sarno, is "the beacon of hope. Freedom and democracy. And that is because of each and every one of our veterans, and those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

Lash met with members of the Amherst VFW before the protest. John Courtmanche, the school spokesman, said Lash "acknowledged their right to demonstrate, and expressed his regret that a still unknown person or persons had burned the college's flag overnight before Veterans Day."

"President Lash listened respectfully to the views of the veterans, and explained that the Hampshire College community includes a wide range of views including employees and students who have served or are currently serving in the US military," said Courtmanche.

Lash also told the veterans that the goal is "to enable a discussion of values among all members of our campus, not make a political statement."

Toward the end of the demonstration, organizers tried to gather everyone around the Hampshire College sign at the campus entrance for a group photo, but they were interrupted by a lone counter-protester who sat on the sign and raised both middle fingers. Campus police surrounded the young man as flag-waving demonstrators jeered or tried to talk to him.

The young man said nothing. He eventually lowered his hands and stared straight ahead, ignoring the crowd. He walked away after several minutes.

Another protester interrupted remarks by Hampshire County District Attorney David Sullivan. A man carrying a sign reading "feminist witchs" and several profanities shouted that his free speech had been violated by "anti-Trumpers." He was led away by campus police officers, and Sullivan began to speak.

"We're here today to honor and respect our flag," said Sullivan. "Hampshire College, raise our flag!"

Leo Deschenes of South Hadley served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 16 years. He vividly recalls rescuing Cuban and Haitian migrants at sea, thousands of people living under daily oppression. He said he came to peacefully protest in defense of "a country that has given people more freedom than any other country in the world."

"It's not about who won the election," said Deschenes. "It's about being able to have free elections and voice opinions or opposition and not be hauled off to jail or imprisoned forever or executed in the streets."

He said the country is divided because people don't want to listen to each other. The flag controversy, he said, can be blamed partly on a lack of understanding.

"It's about listening to different opinions, respecting them, but all being Americans in the end," he said.

Mary Ann Donze said students at Hampshire College should exercise their free speech rights, but "respect the blood of those who gave it to them." Donze, of South Hadley, said her son is serving overseas in the Marines.

The body of Ira Munn Boardman was discovered on Sunday morning, about a mile from his hunting camp in the Ellenburg area in Clinton County, WPTZ-TV reports.

ELLENBURG CENTER, N.Y. -- A missing hunter from Vermont has been found dead in Upstate New York.

The body of Ira Munn Boardman was discovered on Sunday morning, about a mile from his hunting camp in the Ellenburg area in Clinton County, WPTZ-TV reports.

Boardman, 58, of South Hero, Vermont, had been missing since Nov. 19. Hundreds of people helped in the search.

New York State Police are investigating the death, but do not suspect foul play.

The cause of death is not yet known. An autopsy is planned.

https://t.co/6PRARw4KrR - Body of missing hunter found

-- Press-Republican (@pressrepublican) November 27, 2016

A convenience store clerk fought off three would-be robbers Sunday evening after he refused to open his cash register and give them his money. Police said the clerk fought with the three and sent them running from the store empty handed.

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

The clerk suffered bruises in the the 8:45 p.m., incident Strzempek said None of the attempted robbers showed a weapon.

Strzempek said all three of the attempted robbers wore hooded sweatshirts with the hoods up. Two wore gray sweatshirts while the third wore a green shirt and a black backpack. The two that wore gray sweatshirts also wore tan and gray pants.

Springfield police are continuing to investigate the incident.

Kellyanne Conway, the last of Donald Trump's campaign managers in the 2016 presidential election, is slated to appear with her counterpart from Hillary Clinton's campaign, Robby Mook, on the same stage this week.

Kellyanne Conway, the last of Donald Trump's campaign managers in the 2016 presidential election, is slated to appear with her counterpart from Hillary Clinton's campaign, Robby Mook, on the same stage this week.

Harvard University's Institute of Politics is hosting the event, dubbed "War Stories: Inside Campaign 2016."

Jake Tapper, who hosts CNN's "State of the Union" show, is set to moderate the discussion, which is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Kennedy School in Cambridge.

According to the Institute of Politics, you need a ticket to get into the event, though CNN will be broadcasting the forum on Dec. 4.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and close at 5:45 p.m.

More information on tickets is available here.

Mook, who also worked on Clinton's 2008 campaign, managed Terry McAuliffe's gubernatorial campaign in Virginia and is the former executive director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, according to the New York Times.

Conway is the president and CEO of the Polling Company, Inc.

Conway told the New Yorker earlier this year that her fiftieth birthday falls on the day Trump is getting inaugurated, Jan. 20, 2017. She had planned a trip to Italy before joining the campaign, the magazine reported.

"I'll either be at a fabulous party in Washington, D.C., or I'll be in Italy," she told the New Yorker before the election. "I can't lose."

Gov. Baker spoke to Trump before Thanksgiving, congratulated him on victory

One person was shot at 10:45 a.m. at One Stop Plaza. He was taken to Baystate Medical Center in a private vehicle.

SPRINGFIELD - Holyoke and state police have arrested three people in relation to a Monday morning shooting on Central Street in Springfield.

Officers responded to 494 Central St., the One Stop Plaza, at around 10:45 a.m. One person was shot and taken to Baystate Medical Center in a private vehicle.

A Springfield detective said police are still compiling information for the arrest reports, so the identities of the suspects are not yet available.

Western Mass News reports the suspects were arrested by Holyoke and state police near Interstate 391.

This is a developing story. Stay with The Republican/MassLive for more information as it becomes available.

Holyoke police have asked Paul P. Bowes of 1244 Northampton St. to stop sending harassing letters to Mayor Alex B. Morse, who received an anonymous letter Nov. 18, 2016 that Bowes acknowledged sending that targeted Morse because he is gay.

HOLYOKE -- Police have asked a Northampton Street man who acknowledged targeting Mayor Alex B. Morse with letters to stop such harassment, according to an incident report.

Paul P. Bowes of 1244 Northampton St. admitted to police that he had sent Morse three letters in the past few years. They include one on Nov. 18 that Morse posted on his Facebook page that said, "Alex, You are one of the most selfish people that I know due to your 'gay' lifestyle. You are going down."

Two of the letters were anonymous but one included Bowes' return address on the envelope. The similarity of the handwriting between that letter and the two others were what prompted Morse to forward them to police, according to the report (see below).

Bowes told Lt. James Albert and Detective Michael R. Everett who visited his home on Nov. 21 that the "You are going down" statement was not a physical threat but a reference to Morse's political standing, according to the incident report. The report was filed by Everett and dated Nov. 28, 2016.

No charges have been filed against Bowes who agreed to "cease his harassing behavior towards Mayor Morse," according to a phone interview with Albert and the report.

"It was explained to him that letters and their contents targeting groups such as racial, ethnic, handicap, gender or sexual orientation could lead to the pursuance of a criminal complaint application. At the conclusion of the conservation Mr. Bowes was receptive and stated he understood," according to the report.

Police believe the letters to Morse from Bowes were unrelated to a Morse campaign sign attached to a tree behind Community Field on Nov. 20 that was found to be defaced with the addition of the word "sucks," Albert said.

Bowes couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

Bowes has run unsuccessfully for City Council in the past and in the last municipal election in 2015, took out nomination papers for potential campaigns for mayor and City Council at large but wound up not running.

In the incident report, "(Bowes) went on to express his frustrations with the mayor, his administration and the city of Holyoke's current state. He explained he had parked his vehicle on Thorpe St. a few months ago while he was at work and it was illegally towed. He stated that there were no street sweeping signs posted at the time he parked, yet his vehicle was still towed and believed he was being targeted due to his political views."

Bowes initially told police, "What letters? I don't know what you're talking about," according to the report.

But after police showed him copies of the three letters, Bowes admitted to sending them to Morse, according to the report.

Regarding the letter that bore his return address, Bowes told police that while he acknowledged sending it, someone had forged his name on the card and his lawyer has copies of the letters, according to the report.

Morse said he meets people in the city who share and some who don't share his political views but most interactions are amicable and that's how discourse should be conducted.

"But I think it's a completely different thing to attack someone based on their identity or their sexual orientation. It just bumps it to a different level ... violence and sexual harassment have no place in Holyoke," said Morse, who will run for a fourth term as mayor next year.

Morse said he gave the letters to police after consulting Police Chief James M. Neiswanger but didn't request that any particular action be taken.

"I didn't direct the Police Department either way. They felt it was a threat to another resident of the city," Morse said.

Holyoke police incident report about Paul P. Bowes: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

Hampden County Assistant District Attorney Curtis Frick said there was evidence presented to a grand jury supporting a second degree murder charge against Anthony Diaz of Springfield in the death of Daneyshkalis "Daney" Davila.

SPRINGFIELD -- The lawyer for Anthony Diaz argued Monday his client's shooting of a 15-year-old girl was accidental, so a second degree murder charge should be tossed out by a judge.

Jeffrey S. Brown, lawyer for the now 18-year-old Diaz, said there was not sufficient evidence presented to the grand jury for it to indict Diaz for second degree murder.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Edward J. McDonough took the motion by Brown under advisement.

Diaz was arrested on April 8, the day after his girlfriend Daneyshkalis "Daney" Davila was shot in her abdomen at her Plainfield Street home.

Daneyshkalis DavilaFacebook photo

Assistant District Attorney Curtis B. Frick argued there was evidence presented by the prosecution to the grand jury to justify a second degree murder charge.

Diaz, of Springfield, was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, so was charged as a juvenile. He turned 18 on Aug. 3. He is being prosecuted as an adult because of the nature of the charge.

Brown said in the room at the time of the shooting with Diaz and Davila was her younger brother. He said the brother, 13 years old, gave a statement to police that essentially matched the one Diaz gave: that Diaz was playing with a revolver, the cylinder slammed shut and the gun went off.

He said Diaz talked to police after he was arrested, before his aunt could get there, and said what happened was an accident.

Brown said the grand jury was given the choice of indicting Diaz for second degree murder under the theory of malice, second degree murder under the theory of felony murder (possession of the gun), or involuntary manslaughter.

He said there is no evidence to support either theory of second degree murder under the legal definitions.

Frick, in his argument, stressed the grand jury heard the facts of the case and decided to indict for second degree murder. The grand jury could have chosen not to indict Diaz at all, Frick said.

Brown said there is no evidence Diaz wanted to kill or harm Davila.

Frick said Diaz made the decision to bring a gun into another person's home. He said testimony from a firearms expert at the grand jury showed the gun would not have gone off without the trigger being pulled.

Diaz would have known the strong likelihood his actions would cause harm, Frick said. Pointing the gun at Davila or any person shows a conscious disregard for human life, he said.

Frick said among facts in the case is Diaz's flight from Davila's home after the shooting. Diaz punched a hole in the wall before he left that home.

Diaz took the gun with him, but the gun was never found, Frick said. Diaz was not accounted for until three hours after the shooting, when his aunt picked him up, the prosecutor said.

Diaz did not admit to his aunt he was involved in an accidental shooting until the next day, Frick said. He said those actions show "consciousness of guilt."

The case has a May 17 trial date.

Velis will appear live in the New York City studio for a segment on "Fox & Friends" scheduled to air at 6:20 a.m. Tuesday.

WESTFIELD - State Rep. John Velis will appear in a Fox News segment on Tuesday to discuss his protest of Hampshire College's U.S. flag policy.

Velis, a Westfield Democrat and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, has been a vocal opponent of the private Amherst college's decision to stop flying all flags on the main campus flagpole.

Students lowered the American flag to half-staff in response to the presidential election and Veterans Day. The flag was also burned the night before Veterans Day. Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash said the flag will not fly so the diverse campus can have a discussion about its many possible meanings.

Velis will appear live in the New York City studios for a segment on "Fox & Friends" scheduled to air at 6:20 a.m.

At a massive protest Sunday attended by hundreds of people waving American flags, Velis said the school's refusal to fly the flag is disrespectful to veterans and all servicemembers.

In a strongly worded letter to the college president on Nov. 22, Velis told Lash it was time to "show respect to those who have disrupted their own lives to ensure your students' safety and freedom of expression and acknowledge the disruption caused to the families who are receiving their loved ones in a flag-draped coffin."

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was set to appear on Fox News on Monday. That interview on the program "America's Newsroom" was preempted by news of a violent attack at Ohio State University. It has been rescheduled for 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday.

U.S Congressman Jim McGovern said he hopes Hampshire College will reconsider its decision not to fly the U.S. flag, calling the move "hurtful to many in our community."

AMHERST - Congressman Jim McGovern said he hopes Hampshire College will reconsider its decision not to fly the U.S. flag, calling the move "hurtful to many in our community."

The Worcester Democrat was asked for a comment following the protest Sunday attended by hundreds asking that the college fly the flag in the center of campus once again.

Hampshire stopped flying the U.S. flag Nov. 18 to provide time for staff, students and faculty to talk about what the flag means. Those discussions will continue this week.

"The American flag is an important symbol of the values we share," McGovern said. "It stands for the many contributions and sacrifices made by generations of families, immigrants and communities that have made our nation great."

He also said the flag "is a solemn reminder of the generations of veterans who have sacrificed to so much to protect our country since its very founding."

"We must work tougher to foster a healthy ad constructive debate on the issues we all care so deeply about," McGovern said.

The college allowed the flag to be flown at half-staff Nov. 10 following the election of Donald Trump, but sometime overnight the flag was burned.

The Hampshire board of trustees then voted to fly the flag at half-staff while the college discussed its symbolism -- but that upset some, so President Jonathan Lash decided not to fly the flag at all.

McGovern said he shares concerns about the election.

"I believe it is important for us to now find effective ways to combat policies that we strongly oppose," he said. "I will certainly be on the forefront of such efforts."

A group of people, meanwhile, has filed a petition on WhiteHouse.gov asking that federal funding for the college be frozen until the college again flies the flag.

As of 6 p.m. 523 people have signed it. Organizers need to collect 100,000 signatures for a federal response.

McGovern opposes any proposal that would freeze federal funding until the flags are flown again.

Hampshire students in this academic year received about $7.2 million in federal aid to attend the college, according to spokesman John Courtmanche. That figure includes $1.7 million in Pell Grants and about $5.5 million in federal student loans.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016 that his discussion in a fundraising email of harassment he has sustained because he was gay was not to exploit the harassment for gain but to give supporters a way to keep fighting for values they believe in.

HOLYOKE -- Mayor Alex B. Morse emailed a reelection fundraising letter last week focusing on recent, publicized targetings of him for being gay, but he said Monday this was not exploiting such attacks for political gain but a way for supporters to keep fighting for values they believe in.

"As I embark on my fourth campaign, I think it's important that we keep that in mind. And I think we're sort of in unchartered territory with what's happening nationally with the election of Donald Trump," said Morse, who was asked about the fundraising email in a phone interview.

Morse said he meets people in the city who share and some who don't share his political views but most interactions are amicable and that's how discourse should be conducted.

"But I think it's a completely different thing to attack someone based on their identity or their sexual orientation. It just bumps it to a different level ... violence and sexual harassment have no place in Holyoke," said Morse, who will run for a fourth term as mayor next year.

According to an incident report filed by the Holyoke Police Department, police have asked a Northampton Street man who acknowledged targeting Morse with letters to stop such harassment.

Paul P. Bowes of 1244 Northampton St. admitted to police that he had sent Morse three letters in the past few years. They include one on Nov. 18 that Morse posted on his Facebook page that said, "Alex, You are one of the most selfish people that I know due to your 'gay' lifestyle. You are going down."

A Morse campaign sign hung on a tree at the rear of Community Field was found on Nov. 20 to be defaced with anti-gay language, but police said that is believed to be unrelated to the Bowes' letters.

Morse mentioned the mailing and defaced sign in the fundraising letter issued Nov. 23 with the subject line, "We don't back down."

"Many of you are outraged regarding the homophobic language that has been directed towards me. While I may be the target, this is an attack on all of us. It is incumbent on us to send the message loud and clear that we will not back down," Morse said in the email.

Morse said in the email that he appreciated the love and support he has received and that "I can handle this." But he was concerned how such attacks were affecting others who are "LGBT," lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, especially youths, he said.

"I've also been asked how you can help other than sending supportive messages. As you know, 2017 is right around the corner, and if the events of the past few days are any indication, we may be facing more than potential political opponents," Morse continued in the email.

"We may be up against explicit and public expressions of homophobia and bigotry. We need to be ready to cut through the distractions and the noise that come with such attacks. One way to have my back and to help us do that is by donating to our campaign and making sure we enter 2017 ready to fight for the values we believe in," Morse said in the email.

In the phone interview, Morse said the harassment has prompted letters and others kinds of support from people who said they have been inspired to get involved in the political process.

"I think in that way it's been encouraging," Morse said.

The checkpoint will be in place during varied hours from Friday, Dec. 2, into Saturday.

Massachusetts State Police will implement a sobriety checkpoint this weekend at an unspecified location in Hampden County.

The checkpoint will be in place during varied hours from Friday, Dec. 2, into Saturday.

"The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen the public's awareness to the need of detecting and removing those motorists who operate under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs from our roadways," state police said in a news release.

State police announce such checkpoints in advance in an effort to reduce inconvenience and anxiety for drivers. Vehicles will not be stopped arbitrarily.

The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the Highway Safety Division of the state Executive Office of Public Security and Safety.

The original request came from the Council on Aging, where " smoke from those who (smoke) enters the building through open windows and doorways," the agency's director said.

WESTFIELD — The City Council's Legislative and Ordinance Committee is standing firm on its effort to seek a smoking ban at all city-owned or leased property.

Councilors Ralph Figy, Mary O'Connell and William Oynski agreed Monday night to again present a proposed smoking ban ordinance to the full City Council for adoption at the council's regular meeting Thursday night.

Figy said the Legislative and Ordinance Committee is looking for consistency in smoking regulations throughout the city. Currently smoking is banned in municipal and school buildings, and state regulations prohibit smoking on any and all school property, the councilor noted.

The committee originally presented the ban ordinance to the full council two weeks ago, but the measure was referred back to committee because its original charge was drafting an ordinance prohibiting smoking on Westfield Senior Center grounds on Noble Street.

COA Director Tina Gorman told councilors two weeks ago and again Monday that smoking is prohibited inside the Senior Center, but that some gather just outside the building to smoke. "There are not a lot of smokers, but smoke from those who do enters the building through open windows and doorways," she said.

She also pointed to the mission of the Council on Aging, where health and safety are priorities.

Gorman on Monday told council members the local Council on Aging receives grants, nearly $80,000 from the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs and $2,900 from Sarah Gillett Services for the Eldery, that promote "health and wellness" of seniors.

Also, the director said the local COA received a $3,115 Senior Safe Grant this year from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Department of Fire Services, which builds a partnership between seniors and fire departments.

Some city councilors at their meeting Nov. 17 indicated they were opposed to a smoking ban on all city property because smoking materials are legal and smokers have rights.

City Councilor and former mayor Daniel M. Knapik argued "until it is banned, accommodations should be made," adding the Senior Center was built for Westfield seniors and many contributed to that effort in the form of donations toward furnishings.

In other action, the Legislative and Ordinance Committee voted to support an ordinance change that will combine the duties of city treasurer and city collector.

Mayor Brian P. Sullivan told committee members the two positions were combined up until about 16 years ago and the change will provide increased efficiency in the financial departments.

City Treasurer Meghan Kane has been serving as acting collector since the retirement last year of Michael McMahon.

The day after families across the country celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing a turkey at the dinner table, a turkey was used in a different manner in Western Massachusetts.

The day after families across the country celebrated Thanksgiving by sharing a turkey at the dinner table, a turkey was used in a different manner in Western Massachusetts.

Greenfield police were called to the Town Common Friday morning for a report of unusual activity.

The responding officer found a store-bought turkey attached to a wooden cross.

With no persons around to claim the bird, it was disposed of by police.

No further information could be immediately provided on the matter, a lieutenant with the department said when reached for comment Monday evening.

If what Mary Hastings' account of her recent firing from Massachusetts College Liberal Arts checks out, she fell on her sword battling the college leadership to save the jobs of five co-workers.

NORTH ADAMS -- If Mary F. Hastings' account of her recent departure from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts checks out, it appears she fell on her sword battling the college leadership to save five coworkers' jobs.

According to Hastings, MCLA President James F. Birge and Executive Vice President Denise Richardello repeatedly tried to commit her to terminating five employees before hiring her to lead the school's office of institutional advancement, Hastings said.

Each time, Hastings said she told them "no." Still, they chose her over three other finalists for the position.

When, on Oct. 5, Richardello told The MCLA Beacon the Berkshires' native resigned to "explore other opportunities," Hastings had been MCLA's vice president of institutional advancement for just 10 and a half weeks 

But in a MassLive interview, Hastings said she did not resign.

Birge and Richardello, she said, forced her out when she dug in, telling the college the allegedly desired terminations would occur "over my dead body." 

"They named names," Hastings told MassLive. "All five staff members knew they were on the chopping block long before I got there. But I made it clear in four rounds of interviews this wasn't something I was going to be doing until I was embedded in the position, if at all.

"In my first two weeks it came up again," Hastings continued. "Finally, I said very emphatically, but very professionally, I wasn't doing it. I uttered the phrase 'over my dead body.' That was the beginning of the end."

Terminating five employees from an office with a total staff of eight would have "decimated" it, Hastings added.

Birge denied aspects of Hastings' account in a Nov. 16 letter to The Beacon -- notably that any terminations were desired.

"Ms. Hastings (said) the college instructed her to fire five employees of the office of advancement, and then discharged her after she refused. This is incorrect. Neither Vice President Richardello nor I ever gave such a direction. In actuality, we tried to empower Ms. Hastings to lead the office's staff and effectively expand our network of donors and friends of the college."

Birge did say the college "ended" "her service" -- not that she resigned -- because of Hastings' inadequate leadership, inappropriate communication with internal and external parties, comments of a sexual nature and use of profanity.

In her interview with MassLive, Hastings said these indeed were the explicitly stated reasons she was fired, after "four or five" coworkers reported her.

"When pressed by me, (Birge) was unsure of the exact number of people and would not tell me what had been said or complained about," Hastings added.

Hastings admitted to cursing in the office when frustrated -- others did, too, she said -- but these words were never directed at anyone, she stressed. 

As part of the termination deal, the school offered Hastings six weeks of pay if she would not speak to anyone at or associated with MCLA.

Given a contract worth $141,000 per year, the agreement would have been worth more than $16,000.

Hastings refused. 

"Their lawyer told my lawyer [MCLA officials] were worried about the damage I could do to the school's reputation around Berkshire County," Hastings said. 

The package, according to Hastings, matched what an employee of six years would have been offered if they were terminated.

"They should not have offered me that much," Hastings said, noting the outsized sum indicated school officials felt culpable for the events surrounding her employment.

In his letter to The Beacon, Birge acknowledged the proposed agreement, but called it "commonplace" -- no indication of scandal. 

"To protect its relationships with donors and other friends of the college, and to assist Ms. Hastings in moving on, the college offered Ms. Hastings a separation agreement," he said. "That agreement also would have prevented her from using private and proprietary information such as donor lists. In addition, both parties would have agreed not to disparage the other."

A bitter fight between the school's top brass and Hastings continues to play out. 

School officials successfully "disqualified" Hastings from receiving unemployment payments by saying they had issued her a conduct warning prior to the termination.

But Hastings' lawyer subpoenaed her personnel file seeking to find the warning and accounts of the five coworkers who allegedly came forward and reported her conduct -- and it came back empty.

"They should have a lot of material," Hastings said. "Unless they're lying to the government."

She added, "My lawyer and I want these (documents) and are serious about seeing them -- if they exist."

Early next month, Hastings and her lawyer plan to appeal the unemployment decision in a Pittsfield court.

Hastings' had 34 years of experience in fundraising in Manhattan before taking the job at MCLA. She said the staff members she was being asked to fire were excellent employees, but top college officials had a distorted impression of how much money the office could feasibly raise. 

Three percent of MCLA alumni go on to donate to the school. 

Telling a person with dementia that you are there to help can ease agitation and is among steps city officials and private caregivers will discuss at a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at City Hall in Holyoke, Massachusetts in making the city a "dementia-friendly" community.

HOLYOKE -- Steps to make the city safe and respectful for people with dementia will be announced today at 12:30 p.m. at a press conference at City Hall.

"Nearly 60 percent of people with dementia live in their own communities, and one in seven live alone, creating an urgent need for communities to support people with dementia and their caregivers," a press release said.

Tips to help first responders, families, businesses and the public deal with those who have dementia will be discussed at the press conference with Mayor Alex B. Morse, the city Council on Aging and Senior Center, O'Connell Care at Home and The Loomis Communities.

A list of organizations that provide help regarding dementia and support groups also will be provided at the event, along with a list of upcoming related events, the press release said.

"A dementia-friendly community is defined as one that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals with dementia and their families and provides supportive options for improved quality of life," the press release said.

Tips to help in dealing with people who have dementia include, according to Carol Constant of The Loomis Communities:

Upcoming events include:

Tips to help in dealing with people who have dementia: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

Resources to help in dealing with people who have dementia: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

Upcoming events related to dementia: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd

Authorities have shut down a major road in Lynn as the investigate an officer-involved shooting that sent one man to the hospital.

LYNN -- Authorities have shut down a major road in Lynn as they investigate an officer-involved shooting that sent one man to the hospital, NECN.com reported.

The condition of the gunshot victim is not known, although they have been taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Lynn Police told NECN that the incident started as a response to a robbery call around 4 a.m. on 451 Lynnway and Shepard streets. 

The Lynnway, also known as Route 1A, will be closed from Commercial to Shepard streets as the investigation continues, Massachusetts State Police said. 

If the case against Rachelle Bond, the mother of the toddler whose remains were found on Deer Island in June 2015, goes to trial, her attorney has laid the groundwork to question the credibility of the tipster who provided police with information that led to the arrest of Bond and her boyfriend, Michael Patrick McCarthy.

BOSTON - If the case against Rachelle Bond, the mother of the toddler whose remains were found on Deer Island in June 2015, goes to trial, her attorney has laid the groundwork to question the credibility of the tipster who provided police with information that led to the arrest of Bond and her boyfriend, Michael Patrick McCarthy.

McCarthy has been charged with Bella Bond's murder, while Rachelle Bond has been charged as an accessory after the fact. Bond and McCarthy deny the charges and each blames the other for the murder of the 2 1/2 year old.

Rachelle Bond allegedly told Michael Sprinsky -- a McCarthy friend who had stayed with McCarthy and Bond for a brief period in 2015 -- Bella was dead and McCarthy had killed her, according to documents.

But Bond's attorney Janice Bassil claimed in court documents that Sprinsky had guzzled a pint of vodka the day Rachelle Bond told him about Bella's murder.

Bond's next court date is Thursday, Dec. 1 in Suffolk Superior Court. Her trial had originally been slated to start this month.

"Neither she or Sprinsky were aware of the publicity surrounding Baby Doe," Bassil wrote in documents on file at Suffolk Superior Court, referring to campaign launched by law enforcement officials to identify Bella after her body had washed up in Winthrop.

That contradicts what Sprinsky said to law enforcement officials after going to Roxbury District Court to speak with a probation officer, and later speaking with State Police.

Sprinsky, who according to Bassil's documents also appeared before a grand jury looking at the Bella Bond case, could not be reached for comment.

The documents said Sprinsky acknowledged his sister sent him to a hospital for drug problems, Bassil wrote. Bassil added that he also checked himself into the psychiatric unit at another hospital.

"During this time period Sprinsky was a user of heroin, cocaine, alcohol and abused prescription pills," Bassil wrote in court documents seeking to obtain his medical records. "On the day the defendant told him about Bella's murder, he downed a pint of vodka in front of her to ward off delirium tremors he had from his abuse of alcohol."

If Rachelle Bond's case goes to trial, Bassil wrote that Sprinsky's credibility is "one of the most important issues" that will surface in the trial, in part because he is the "only witness to imply" that Bond helped McCarthy as an accessory after the fact.

"Drugs and alcohol can strongly affect memory, including a failure to remember and a confabulation of memory to [fill] in the gaps," Bassil wrote. "Based on these records, the defendant would seek expert testimony to educate the jury on the impact of drugs and alcohol on memory."

McCarthy's trial, which would occur separately from Rachelle Bond's trial, could happen next year. His next court date is Dec. 22.

Blame game underway in Bella Bond case

The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition is continuing to gather public input regarding the Springfield Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.

SPRINGFIELD -- The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition is partnering with the University of Massachusetts Amherst for a meeting Tuesday to continue gathering public input for the Springfield Climate Action and Resiliency Plan.

The meeting is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church at 361 Sumner Ave. in Forest Park.

It represents the second "community conversation" conducted by the groups. The meeting is co-sponsored by the Vietnamese American Cultural Association.

Dinner, childcare, and Spanish and Vietnamese translation is being provided by the organizers, using local vendors.

The Climate Action and Resiliency Plan was commissioned by the city of Springfield as part of a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and when completed is expected to outline steps that Springfield can take to become a more sustainable community and protect residents from the impacts of climate change, according to event organizers.

The coalition was invited to join the working group for the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and secured an additional grant through UMass Amherst to hold four community meetings across Springfield to gain resident input for the plan.

The first meeting was conducted recently in Indian Orchard and attended by about 30 community members.

"The city is still in the beginning stages of getting this plan written, but we didn't want to wait to get started on engaging the public in this process," said Jesse Lederman, an environmental organizing consultant with Arise for Social Justice, which coordinates the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition. "We want to know how residents think that a plan like this can best make their neighborhoods healthier and more sustainable."

"I am delighted that a University of Massachusetts Public Service Endowment Grant will enable the SCJC to host these meetings," said David Glassberg, professor of environmental history at UMass Amherst. "Rising temperatures, higher concentrations of air pollution and increased risk of violent storms and flooding are just some of the effects coming our way. It is essential that the voices of all Springfield residents, especially poor people and people of color most affected by climate change, be heard as the city begins planning to address this coming crisis."

Neighborhood youth were also hired to do outreach for both meetings.

"We thought it was important to give as much back to the community as possible while soliciting their input," said Lederman. "We want to know what will be most important to bring up as we represent them in working group meetings."

The final two meetings will take place next spring, and dates and locations will be announced then.

The Springfield Climate Justice Coalition is an alliance of more than 32 community groups workings together to address climate change and public health in Springfield. They came together in 2014.

The open house is planned for 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend, and some refreshments will be provided.

Patrick Johnson | pjohnson@repub.com 

SPRINGFIELD - The 126th Brigade Support Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard will conduct an open house Tuesday evening at the Springfield Armory, 1505 Roosevelt Ave.

The open house is planned for 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend, and some refreshments will be provided.

Guard spokesman Captain Mustafa Thompson said the open house is intended as a recruiting opportunity, but it is also a chance for people in the Springfield area to learn about the state National Guard meet with the men and women who serve in it.

Several personnel will be present, as will many of the vehicles and equipment used by the unit during its response to various public emergencies including tornados, hurricanes and the Boston Marathon bombing, he said.

"Many people forget we are not a federal entity that only gets sent off to war," Thompson said. "We help out our communities. We're here."

MassWildlife officials are reminding hunters and non-hunters alike to take safety precautions when they enter the woods during hunting season.

SPRINGFIELD -- Can you spot the hunter? Bet you can't.

This may sound like an invitation to a fun game, but it's not. Being able to spot the hunter could be a matter of life or death.

With hunting season officially under way, MassWildlife officials aren't just flapping their gums when they emphasize the importance of wearing blaze orange in the woods this time of year.

The video below shows just how effective camouflage can be -- so effective, in fact, that the hunters featured in the video are hidden in plain sight.

When they are lit up in blaze orange, however, they're as visible as a pig in a python.

Check out the video yourself to see if you can spot the hidden hunters. Feel free to share your success and failure rates in the comments section of this post. (For the record, this reporter couldn't spot a single hunter.)

Dressing properly is also a good tip for joggers, dog-walkers, or anyone else who decides to wander into the woods during hunting season. Just ask the Cape Cod man who was mistaken for a deer while running on a wooded trail in Barnstable.