Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and it's still a cash-based industry. Legalization in Massachusetts means security firms are eyeing a new market that they say is at risk of getting robbed.

When Gerard Boniello, the managing partner at Omnium Protection Group, strolled through the New England Cannabis Convention last year as an attendee, recreational marijuana hadn't yet been legalized in Massachusetts and the medical marijuana program was still slowly getting off the ground.

But sensing an opportunity, Boniello returned to the convention this year, complete with a booth promoting his Waltham-based security firm.

"We're trying to be the go-to security company for the cannabis industry," Boniello said as crowds milled inside the Hynes Convention Center on a rainy Saturday.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and it's still a cash-based industry. And Boniello argues that puts pot shops, medical dispensaries and their delivery employees at risk.

"We want to fill that void," he said.

Having large amounts of cash on-site, not to mention high-value product, increases the likelihood of a robbery, Boniello said.

His 75-person firm offers a range of services, he said, including armed and unarmed guards or escorts, in uniform or in suits and ties.

"It depends on the facility and location," Boniello said.

His firm provided security for "American Hustle," which was partly filmed in Worcester and starred Christian Bale.

Here's what could change about the new Mass. marijuana law

Omnium wasn't the only security firm at the Hynes Convention Center. American Alarm and Communications Inc., based in Arlington, Mass., had its own booth.

David Oles, an integrated systems consultant for American Alarm, said they put in fire alarm systems that detect smoke and heat, perimeter and interior motion sensors, entry and exit door controls, digital video surveillance and secure internet monitoring.

In business since 1971, the company got involved with the marijuana industry after Massachusetts voters legalized medical use in 2012.

"We saw an opportunity early on," Oles said.

At pot convention, growing 'professionalization' of apparent

The brochure at his table notes five out of six New England states have decriminalized marijuana, and now the substance is legal in Massachusetts and Maine.

"The security and life safety standards for marijuana growing facilities and dispensaries are not only strict, they are constantly evolving," the brochure says. "You need a security expert to keep your business in compliance with the law, and technology that won't harm your crops."

Massachusetts has 10 medical marijuana dispensaries, and retail pot shops aren't set to open until sometime in 2018.

The marijuana business remains a new industry. But based on the various vendors and crowds at the New England Cannabis Convention, it's already pulling companies toward branching out and offering services that they didn't think about a decade ago.

"It's a good place to go," Oles said.

The annual Ubeer Fest festival returned to Western Mass. on Saturday, but shifted from Easthampton to Gateway City Arts in Holyoke.

HOLYOKE-- Organized by the Valley Beer Trail, the inaugural version of the UBeer fest drew hundreds of local beer mavens to a large, open space in the Eastworks building in Easthampton back in 2014.

Fast-forward four years, and the festival returned to Western Mass. on Saturday, but shifted from Easthampton to Gateway City Arts in the Paper City.

As described by The Republican's Beer Nut columnist George Lenker, "This is a great, lower-key beer fest (i.e., no bands, etc.) with a superb list of local, regional and imported brews. Local breweries participating include Abandoned Building, Amherst Brewing, the Artisan Beverage Cooperative, Berkshire Brewing, Brewmaster Jack, Lefty's, New City Brewery and (somewhat local, from Brattleboro Vermont) Whetstone Station."

Some of the regional brands featured at the event included Greater Good, Knee Deep, Newburyport, Notch, Peak Organic, Spencer Brewery, and Two Roads. Imports included Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen, Coniston, Green Bench, Jopen, Mikkeller, Renaissance, and Way Beer.

Many Vietnam veterans attended a forum on the health effects of "Agent Orange" at Greenfield Community College on Saturday.

GREENFIELD - Vietnam veterans crammed into an auditorium at Greenfield Community College Saturday afternoon to hear about the health effects of one of the U.S. military's most infamous tools of combat during the Vietnam War: "Agent Orange."

"Orange" was a defoliant utilized by the U.S. military during the East Asia conflict as a method of clearing jungle vegetation--to destroy the habitat and natural line of defense of the Vietcong.  

"Orange" was dropped from the sky in aerial spray campaigns and manually sprayed by U.S. soldiers. It is estimated that nearly 11 million gallons of the herbicide was sprayed between the 1962 and 1971, according to the VVA Self Help Guide, a pamphlet handed out at Saturday's forum. During the time it was sprayed, many soldiers found themselves exposed to it, though no official estimates exist as to how many veterans may suffer from its effects.

The forum Saturday was hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and designed to brief veterans on the resources available to them if they felt they suffered from conditions caused by the agent.

It was made clear that veterans who believed they suffered from health effects could seek "service-connected disability compensation," which would assist with paying for treatment related to potential side-effects.   

Speakers included several medical professionals who discussed potential causes of specific health maladies associated with Agent Orange, as well as methods of care and lifestyle that could potentially alleviate them. 

The list of possible health side effects associated with "Orange" is long. Numerous cancers, Type 2 Diabetes, Hodgkin's Disease, Multiple Myeloma, Parkinson's Disease, and Ischemic Heart Disease, are just some of many other potential diseases and crippling health effects resultant from exposure to the herbicide.

Many of these diseases were discussed by Rab Cross, M.D., a doctor with the Central Western Massachusetts Veterans Health Administration. These "presumptive conditions," or medical maladies that are considered to be connected to a veteran's service, are motives to apply for compensation, Cross said.   

While there was a robust feeling of support for veterans at the event, there were also questions as to why the government hadn't provided better transparency and treatment to them. 

Rick Weidman, Executive Director of Government Affairs with Vietnam Veterans of America, was one of the more vociferous critics to speak at the forum. He openly criticized the treatment that veterans had received from the government.

Weidman also argued that there was a small contingent of people within the government that had purposely kept information about the effects of "Orange" from veterans and from the wider public for a long time. 

Weidman concluded, finally, that more resources needed to be put forward to making sure that soldiers get the care and the treatment they need after returning home. "If you can take us to war on a credit card, by God you can use that same credit card to take care of the men and women who fought that war, and their families," Weidman said, to widespread applause.  

Authorities in Methuen are asking for the public's help in locating two missing teen girls.

METHUEN - Authorities in Methuen are asking for the public's help in locating two teen girls who went missing early Saturday morning. 

Police say Kelianis Hernandez and Ysabel Suazo, both 13, were last seen together in the area of Lowell Street, in Methuen, at roughly 12:15 a.m.

Suazo is described as having brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 106 lbs. 

Hernandez is described as having brown hair and brown eyes and being 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing roughly 119 lbs. 

No further information regarding the girls' disappearance has been released at this time. 

Anyone who believes they may have information regarding the missing teenagers has been encouraged to contact the Methuen Police Department at 978-983-8698.

The 259th annual Town Meeting opens Wednesday with a plan to hold the meeting three nights a week instead of the customary two. Fourteen nights have been reserved for the meeting.

AMHERST -- The 259th annual Town Meeting opens Wednesday with a plan to hold the meeting three nights a week instead of the customary two. Fourteen nights have been reserved for the meeting.

Budgets will be first up, then there will be zoning and petition articles, including one to establish Amherst as a "sanctuary" community for immigrants.

In addition, on a more national front, the meeting will be asked to support a move to impeach President Donald Trump, a legislative reform bill known as the American Anti-Corruption Act, and a measure to ask Congress and state legislators to implement a program to cut carbon pollution. Those will likely be taken up toward the end of the meeting.

The Select Board voted to support the sanctuary measure but is taking no position on the other three petition articles. The Finance Committee is making no recommendation on any of the four.

According to the anti-corruption petition, the legislation "targets bribery by preventing lobbyists from donating to politicians and influencing policy making; ends secret money by mandating full transparency; enables citizens to fund elections; closes the revolving door between Congress and lobbying firms; and enhances the power of the Federal Election Commission," among other issues. The petition was initiated by Thomas Davies.

John Bonifaz initiated the impeachment petition, which takes aim at Trump for allegedly violating the Constitution's emoluments clause, which bars members of government from receiving gifts or money from foreign states. According to the citizen petition, these violations undermine "the integrity of the presidency, corruptly advance the personal wealth of the president and violate the public trust."

Bonifaz is a co-founder of the advocacy group Free Speech For People. Apart from the Town Meeting initiative, his organization is collecting signatures nationwide to advance impeachment efforts. As of Friday, 933,180 people have signed that petition.

The Cambridge City Council voted recently to ask Congress to begin impeachment proceeding as well.

DeAnne Sloan Riddle introduced the carbon emissions reduction petition.

Taking on national issues is not new for the meeting. In 2009, the meeting approved a resolution supporting the resettlement of Guantanamo Bay detainees to the area if Congress repealed its ban allowing resettlement of detainees in this country. It also supported a petition calling for the impeachment of then-President George W. Bush and then-Vice President Dick Cheney.

Session one of Town Meeting begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Amherst Regional Middle School.

Cooper's is accepting donations of professional women's attire for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts through Sunday, April 30.

AGAWAM -- Cooper's Gifts Apparel Home is accepting donations of professional attire for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts through Sunday, April 30.

The Agawam store will take "interview-appropriate women's clothing," shoes and accessories to benefit Dress for Success, a Springfield-based nonprofit whose mission is "to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life."

"We invite everyone to spring-clean their closets and change a life," said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper's Gifts Apparel Home, located at 161 Main St., Agawam.

Dress For Success is located in the Eastfield Mall at 1655 Boston Road.

Those who donate will receive a coupon for 20 percent off at Cooper's, which sells clothing, jewelry and accessories. The coupon has no expiration date, Gourde said. All donations should be "like-new," clean and on hangers, she said, adding that casual clothing won't be accepted.

Dress for Success is currently looking for plus-size clothing, spring coats and jewelry.

"Just ask yourself, 'Would I wear this to an interview?'" Gourde said. "If the answer is yes, Dress for Success can put it to good use."

The annual clothing drive is particularly convenient for west-of-the-river residents, who can drop off donations at Cooper's rather than make the 13-mile drive east to the Eastfield Malless. "We have held clothing drives for (Dress for Success) for years," Gourde said. "Our customers consider it a convenience."

Cooper's is open from 10 .a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"This drive coincides with Dress for Success as our April Round Up charity," Gourde said, adding that each month Cooper's chooses a local charity to receive the profits of the store's Round Up program. Customers are invited to "round up" their purchase total to the next dollar amount, and Cooper's will then match 50 percent of the total amount collected.

Round Up has donated over $6,000 to local organizations since its inception in 2014, according to Gourde. More information about Cooper's is available on its website, www.coopersgifts.com.

The Water Department is installing water services in the Broadway area.

CHICOPEE - Water is scheduled to be shut off on a number of streets off Broadway while the Water Department installs services in the upcoming week.

The water will be turned off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, city officials said.

On Monday the shutdowns are scheduled for 70 Broadway, 7 to 90 Corchran St. and MacArthur Terrace Apartments.

Tuesday shutdowns will happen on 207 to 223 Broadway and all residences on Alvord Avenue.

Wednesday water will be turned off at 70 Broadway, the McArthur Terrace Apartments and all homes on High Street.

Thursday water will be turned off to all homes on Hastings Street, 2 to 25 Pine St. and the First Central Baptist Church on Broadway.

Police continue to search for a masked man who robbed an Abington gas station with a hypodermic syringe filled with some type of liquid.

Police continue to search for a masked man who robbed an Abington gas station with a hypodermic syringe filled with some type of liquid. 

The suspect entered the Stop N Gas on North Avenue in Abington around 6 a.m. Saturday and robbed the store, according to police. 

The clerk, who was not injured, gave the suspect money from the register. The hypodermic needle was filled with some type of red liquid, police said. 

The suspect is about 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a REEBOK logo on it. The suspect also wore gray sweatpants, brown gloves, a mask and sunglasses.

Authorities have not released much information about the police officer and the suspect he allegedly shot and wounded early Sunday morning in West Springfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Authorities have not released much information about the police officer and the suspect he allegedly shot and wounded early Sunday morning in West Springfield.

"Unfortunately, I can't give you anything other than what we have put out," West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani told The Republican in an email today.

"The DA's office has asked that all media inquiries go through them," Campurciani said.

Jim Leydon, communications director for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, declined to comment on the incident immediately. He said more information would be released later.

The officer shot and wounded the man after the suspect fired at officers and crashed his car into several cruisers, police said. Officers were injured in the incident, but not by the gunfire, according to authorities, who continue to investigate.

Sgt. Brian Pomeroy said the suspect was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for emergency treatment. An update on his condition was unavailable.

The shooting occurred around 1:45 a.m. near the community pool in the Wentworth Estates Condominiums at 1600 Memorial Ave., just across from the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition.

The incident began shortly before 1 a.m., when a black Lexus driving at a high rate of speed refused to stop for an officer, police said.

The suspect led officers to the intersection of Colony Road and Cold Spring Avenue, where he rammed several cruisers, injuring officers and damaging their cars.

The suspect also fired several shots before fleeing, police said. 

The suspect abandoned his damaged car near 52 York St., several hundred yards from the initial scene, and continued to flee on foot. Police located him about 45 minutes later at the condo complex, which is bounded by Memorial Avenue and River Street.

"I looked out my window and saw a man run toward the pool," said a witness, who declined to give her full name. "Then I heard someone shout, 'On the ground or I'll shoot.' Then I heard eight shots and a pause, then three more."

Massachusetts State Police detectives are assisting with the investigation.

The State Medical Examiner's Office has not confirmed the identity of the victim yet.

PALMER - Excessive speed is believed to be at least one cause of a crash that killed a man who slammed his car into a bridge abutment on Boston Road early Saturday morning.

A preliminary investigation by Palmer Police detectives showed a 2017 Infinity Q60 was traveling south on Boston Road at a high rate of speed when it crashed head-on into the concrete abutment of the Massachusetts Turnpike overpass, police said.

The driver, who was alone in the car, was ejected in the crash and the vehicle burst into flames. The victim has been tentatively identified as a man in his 30s. The State Medical Examiner's Office is scheduled to do an autopsy and will confirm the man's identity, Palmer Police said.

The name of the man will not be released until his identity is confirmed and his family is notified, police said.

The crash happened just before 3 a.m. and the road, also known as Route 67, was closed for about four hours while police examined the crash site. Palmer Police are being assisted by the Massachusetts State Police Crash Analysis Reconstruction Section.

The man attempted to rob a gas station in Mansfield and a Subway restaurant in North Windham.

MANSFIELD, CT - A man robbed a Subway restaurant and attempted to rob a gas station within 20 minutes other Friday night.

Connecticut State Police are asking for the public's help to identify the suspect in the back-to-back crimes that happened in Mansfield and then North Windham. He is described as Hispanic, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a medium build. He was wearing a dark-colored bulky winter jacket, grey sweatpants and white sneakers in both crimes.

At about 8:40 p.m., Friday, the suspect entered the Mobil Gas Station at 9 Stafford Road, pulled out a handgun and demanded money. The store clerk refused and the suspect fled, police said.

About 20 minutes later the same suspect walked into the Subway on 361 Boston Post Road in North Windham, implied he had a gun and demanded money. The man fled after being given an undisclosed amount of money, police said.

"The suspect in both the Mansfield attempted robbery and the North Windham armed robbery are believed to be the same person," police said.

The two businesses are located about 8 miles apart.

Anyone who may have information about either crime or can identify the suspect is asked to call detectives at 860-896-3236 or text TIP711 with any information to 274637. All calls and texts will remain confidential, police said.

Philanthropists Michele and Donald D'Amour, of Big Y Foods, are among the individuals being honored by the National Conference for Community and Justice.

SPRINGFIELD - Philanthropists Michele and Donald D'Amour, of Big Y Foods, are among the individuals being honored this year at the annual human relations award banquet of the New England-based National Conference for Community and Justice.

Others being honored for their leadership and promotion of inclusive community values at the June 8 event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame include Russell J. Peotter, senior advisor for WGBY; the Rev. Calvin J. McFadden Sr., senior pastor of Saint John's Congregational Church; Arlene Rodriguez, vice president of academic affairs at Springfield Technical Community College, and Attorney Ellen Weiss Freyman, of Shatz, Schwarz & Fentin.

Youth honorees include Jeronimo Fernandez of Holyoke's Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School and Bridget MacNeill of South Hadley's Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School.

Banquet chair is George Arwady, publisher and chief executive officer of The Republican.

Russell Peotter 

Jill Monson-Bishop, chief information officer of Inspired Marketing, is vice-chair.

Donald H. D'Amour chairs the board and serves as chief executive officer of Big Y Foods, a company founded by his father, Paul H. D'Amour and uncle Gerald E. D'Amour, and now one of the largest independent grocery chains in New England.

Michele D'Amour, a graduate of Cathedral High and Westfield State University with a master's degree in education from American International College, is administrator of the corporation's Educational Partnership.

The company, as Donald D'Amour acknowledged in a 2011 interview with Republican reporter Jim Kinney on Big Y's 75th anniversary, has a history of supporting access to education, the arts and healthcare.

The couple's philanthropic efforts include $4 million to the Springfield Museums whose fine arts museum was renamed the Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts in 2008.

Peotter retired at the end of 2016 after 15 years as general manager of WGBY, western New England's public television affiliate.

Rev. Calvin McFadden Sr. 

During his years at the station, he oversaw the creation of locally produced programs, including the PBS station's flagship series "Connecting Point" and the bilingual Latino series "Presencia." He also launched the production of "Making It Here," "As Schools Match Wits," and "Together in Song."

McFadden has been pastor of St. John's since 2010. As he related in a 2014 interview, he felt a call to God's service at age 15, in Florida, where he was raised. He served as pastor, during his college years, at a small Methodist church, before attending divinity school. He went on to establish an African American Methodist congregation, the first in Tallahassee, and then founded his own congregation, before heading a Baptist church, in Georgia, and, in 2010, being called, from 69 applicants, to head St. John's.

During his time at St. John's, the church has completed its $5 million expansion, and now includes a worship center, fellowship center, classroom and office space. He is a former member of the Springfield School Committee.

Arlene Rodriguez 

Rodriguez, who has been at STCC for more than two decades, is believed to be the first Latina to have served as its dean of arts, humanities and social services. She has taught literature at STCC and has also served as its honors program co-ordinator.

A New York City native, Rodiguez holds an undergraduate degree from Fordham University, a master's from Lehigh University, and doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. In 2016, she was named Woman of the Year by the Professional Women's Chamber.

Freyman is a partner with Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin, and is vice chair of the executive committee of the NCCJ board.

Freyman has received numerous awards during her career including the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's Top Women of Law Award in 2010; an Advertising Club's Pynchon Award in 2012, and a 2015 Friendship Award from the Western Massachusetts Refugee and Immigrant Consortium.

Atty. Ellen Weiss Freyman 

Freyman is a graduate of the Western New England University School of Law and Pennsylvania State University.

The NCCJ is celebrating its 90th year. According to its website, the organization was founded in 1927 as the National Conference for Christians and Jews, in response to "anti-Catholic sentiment being expressed during Al Smith's run for the Democratic nomination."

Founders included social activists such, as Jane Addams, and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes.

Today its programs address such issues as bullying, more inclusive work environments and interfaith outreach.

The man accused of assaulting a woman at the Lechmere Station in Cambridge while she chaperoned a group of young students has turned himself in, according to the MTBA Transit Police.

The man accused of assaulting a woman at the Lechmere Station in Cambridge while she chaperoned a group of young students has turned himself in, according to the MTBA Transit Police.

Authorities have not released the man's name, but they announced on Twitter Saturday that he turned himself in.

The woman was chaperoning a group of first and second-graders on a field trip. The group took the MBTA home when the suspect got on at North Station.

The man had a dog with him. The woman asked "politely" if the man could keep the dog away from the children. The man shouted at the woman and used obscene language, the MBTA Transit Police said.

MBTA Transit Police 

"The suspect also threatened to 'kill' the victim and bragged of 'killing people' for less," authorities said. "Upon arrival at Lechmere station the suspect male physically assaulted the victim and left the area towards the direction of CambridgeSide Galleria."

Body dysmorphic disorder is said to affect one out of 50 people worldwide.

It is a mental health disorder related to body image whose definition has evolved over time, but one well known to area clinical psychologist Patricia Martin.

"I have treated many with this disorder, but it was often considered more of an eating disorder or social anxiety," said Martin of what the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published by the American Psychiatric Association, refers to as body dysmorphic disorder. It is estimated to affect one out of 50 people worldwide.

"It is getting more clearly and specifically defined now. I generally found it in women, but that is because that is more the population I serve."

Martin, whose books include "Liars, Cheats, and Creeps: Leaving the Sociopath Behind" and "The Other Couch: Discovering Women's Wisdom in Therapy," said the DSM-V, published in 2013, placed the disorder in a new category within the "obsessive-compulsive spectrum, and added the operational criteria, such as repetitive behaviors or intrusive thoughts," and noted a subtype - "muscle dysmorphia, which refers to the preoccupation that one's body is too small or insufficiently muscular or lean."

Simply put, a disorder that causes the sufferer to perceive some part of their anatomy as grossly deformed, for example, and possibly in need of multiple surgeries to fix it.

"Body dysmorphic disorder - BDD - is a mental disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation that some aspect of one's appearance is severely flawed and warrants exceptional measures to hide or fix it. This flaw is imagined or severely exaggerated. Either way, the thoughts about the perceived flaw are pervasive and intrusive and can occupy up to several hours a day," Martin said.

"With BDD, a person's preoccupation with the 'defect' often leads to ritualistic behaviors, such as constantly checking in a mirror or picking at the skin. The person with BDD eventually becomes so obsessed with the 'defect' that his or her social, occupation, and home functioning suffer."

"Reflections," recently published by the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation, is a collections of stories by people with the disorder.World Wide Web 

Martin said the disorder "can occur at any age but generally begins during the teen years or early adulthood when a person's body is experiencing the most changes physically."

"It generally begins in puberty, and manifests itself equally in men and women. Men will tend to be more fixated on muscle mass and size, while women with weight, body parts and face," Martin said.

The most common concerns overall for people with the disorder, Martin said, involve skin imperfections, head or body hair and the size and shape of facial features as well as body parts, like hip and thighs, and body weight.

She added the disorder affects an estimated 1 to 2.4 percent of the population worldwide, and that the "secrecy and shame that often accompany BDD make it a greatly under-diagnosed condition."

"Social isolation can occur if the person becomes too self-conscious to go out in public. This can have a negative impact on school or work. In a sample study of 200 individuals with BDD, 11 percent dropped out of school and 36 percent did not go to work for at least a week due to BDD symptoms," Martin said.

She added that "preoccupation and constant checking for reassurance may lead to stigmatization and further exacerbate their social isolation."

"Some persons experience delusions that others are covertly pointing out their flaws, which can lead to further isolation," Martin said.

"Patients with BDD are often found to struggle with other mental health disorders as well, the most common being depression and anxiety. Social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse and/or other personality disorders are also prevalent in those with BDD."

She said the disorder puts people "at a high risk for developing major depression, and the distress associated with the disorder puts people at a high risk for suicide."

"Further, people with this disorder may undergo many surgical procedures in an attempt to correct their perceived 'defect,'" Martin said.

"They believe the surgery will cure their distorted perception, however, this is a temporary fix, and will likely result in the person coming up with another perceived defect. This ultimately creates a dangerous and costly cycle of ineffective remedies."

Martin said the disorder may have a genetic component, as well as other triggers, like childhood trauma -- sexual abuse, neglect, bullying - or cultural influences involving image.

She added treatment may involve education and support groups, medication and therapy, including both individual and family.

"Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of individual therapy that focuses on changing the thinking and behavior of the person with BDD. The goal is to correct irrational, false beliefs about the defect and to minimize compulsive behaviors," Martin said.

"Group and/or family therapy is very important in treatment success. It is important that family members understand BDD and learn to recognize its signs and symptoms."

Martin said questionnaires are sometimes used to diagnose the disorder. She said they may have questions similar to the ones below that are based on criteria from the DSM-IV which, Martin said, viewed "BDD as a preoccupation with an imagined or trivial defect in appearance, a preoccupation causing social or occupational dysfunction, and not better explained as another disorder, such as anorexia nervosa:"

• Are you very worried about your appearance in any way? (Or: Are you unhappy with how you look?) If yes: what is your concern?


• Does this concern preoccupy you? That is, do you think about it a lot and wish you could worry about it less? How much time do you spend thinking about (fill in body areas of concern)?


• What effect has this preoccupation with your appearance had on your life? Has it: Significantly interfered with your social life, school work, job, other activities, or other aspects of your life? Caused you a lot of distress? Affected your family or friends?

At least two described it as tasting like toilet bowl cleaner and several posted pictures of them throwing it in the trash. But one said it was a "magical way to start the morning."

News that Starbucks was releasing a new drink - the Unicorn Frappuccino - had people flocking to the coffee shops for the chance to try the new beverage that changed colors and flavor as it was stirred.

The drink was so popular people reported the coffee shops selling out of the pink and purple concoction and complained the limited-edition drink, which only will be sold on Sunday, was not available on the last day.

Starbucks officials described the drink as: "The flavor-changing, color-changing, totally not-made-up Unicorn Frappuccino. Magical flavors start off sweet and fruity transforming to pleasantly sour. Swirl it to reveal a color-changing spectacle of purple and pink. It's finished with whipped cream-sprinkled pink and blue fairy powders."

People on social media weren't quite as enthusiastic and at least one employee posted a rant asking people not to buy the drink which is messy and time-consuming to make.
At least two Tweeted it "Tastes like toilet bowl cleaner" (not sure how they know) and a number showed pictures of the pink drink being thrown in the trash.

Here are some of the things people have been Tweeting about the Unicorn Frappuccino:

The victim, thrown down a flight of 20 stairs, "did not hit any stairs along the way. She flew from the top ... to the bottom," the arrest report said.

These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court last week. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.

Police: Customer at Cozy Cafe in Springfield pulls gun on man offering him a drink

Lawyer says client picked up on 12th lewd conduct charge stuffed tube sock in his pants 'to look sexy'

Springfield assault suspect, his arm broken by police, sent for psychiatric exam

Judge refuses to revoke bail of Springfield man charged with whipping girl with electrical cord

Police: Springfield man threw girlfriend down stairs as her children watched

Kidnapping was really a 'lovers' quarrel,' Springfield defense lawyer claims

Suspect in knifepoint robbery of West Side hotel held on $25,000 bail

When the party is a tribute to all things bacon it's a tastebuds heaven on earth.

HOLYOKE - When two local rock radio stations team up to throw a party, you're going to have a good time. When the party is a tribute to all things bacon- it is heaven on Earth for your tastebuds.

Personalities from co-hosting Rock 102 and Lazer 99.3 were on hand to revel in the crispy goodness that is America's favorite cured meat. Bax and O'Brien from WAQY and Lenny and Pat Kelly from WLZX mixed with the crowd who filled every room and patio of the Log Cabin on a gorgeous day in Holyoke.

This year's attendance was so overwhelming that the doors were opened early to help ease traffic on Route 141. Well over 800 guests were treated to hors d'oeuvres and snacks such as cheesy bacon popcorn, bacon stuffed mushrooms, and bacon married with flavors like Sriracha as well as brown sugar.

The bacon theme continued with entree course selections like gorgonzola macaroni and cheese with Doritos and bacon crumb topping, cheddar bacon potato pizza, and potato and bacon encrusted catfish. Many other main course items were served without bacon, but were just as delicious especially when accompanied with side dishes like bacon cheddar cornbread and bacon & onion house made chips.

Dessert was not overlooked by the Log Cabin chef. Bacon ice cream with cookie dough, whoopee pies with bacon and spiced nuts, chocolate mousse with candied bacon, chocolate covered bacon, and donut dippers tossed in bacon and toasted coconut were all popular.

Jeremy Hollins, 29, of Sturbridge, was arrested on a variety of charges including attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Police officers shot a 29-year-old man three times after he allegedly rammed cruisers, fled from police and later charged at officers who were attempting to arrest him during an early morning pursuit.

The chaotic chase through a condominium complex Sunday also left at least two officers injured and multiple police cruisers damaged, said Jim Leydon, media information officer for Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

Jeremy Hollins, of the Fiskdale section of Sturbridge, was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield after suffering two gunshot wounds to his shoulder and one to his leg following the chase that began at about 1 a.m., he said.

Hollins, who is expected to recover from his wounds, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder, four counts of malicious damage over $250, possession of cocaine, driving to endanger, failure to stop for a police officer, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and speeding. He will be arraigned in Springfield District Court when he is physically able, Leydon said.

West Springfield Police first spotted the driver of a black Lexus allegedly committing serious motor vehicle violations on Memorial Avenue near the Eastern States Exposition. When officers tried to pull him over, the driver fled and turned into the Wentworth Estates condominium complex, Leydon said.

Additional police cruisers responded to assist and boxed Hollins' car in on Cold Spring Avenue, which is a dead-end street. Hollins is then accused of ramming cruisers in an attempt to escape, Leydon said.

One officer received a head injury while trying to exit his cruiser. A second injured his foot when the escaping Lexus ran over it, Leydon said.

"Initial reports indicate several officers discharged their firearms at the Lexus," he said.

The driver managed to elude officers by cutting through backyards. He eventually struck an apartment building and escaped on foot, Leydon said.

Police searched for and eventually found Hollins hiding in a stairwell leading to a locked basement door. The car was found abandoned and badly damaged, he said.

"Upon being discovered, Hollins allegedly charged at officers, which resulted in officers discharging their weapons," Leydon said.

Police later searched the Lexus, which was registered to Hollins, and found cocaine and a Sig Sauer .45 caliber handgun. Hollins does have a license to carry the gun, he said.

The investigation into the incident is continuing. The Hampden District Attorney's Office and the Massachusetts State Police will also conduct a review of the police shooting, Leydon said.

Three vehicles and a tractor-trailer collided at around 8:25 p.m., according to Chicopee police.

CHICOPEE - The northbound lanes of Memorial Drive are closed from Britton Street to New Ludlow Road until further notice while police investigate a serious crash.

Three vehicles and a tractor-trailer collided at around 8:25 p.m., according to Chicopee police.

The tractor-trailer driver was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, and three others suffered minor injuries.

The Chicopee Police crash reconstruction team is on-scene investigating. Drivers are asked to avoid the area.

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

Park Serve Day is hosted every spring by the state's Dept. of Conservation and Recreation.

State parks from Cape Cod to the Berkshires provide low-cost and accessible outdoor recreation to millions of Massachusetts residents and visitors every year. 

And every spring, the Department of Conservation and Recreation invites people to pitch in and help clean things up in anticipation of the spring and summer season.

Park Serve Day was created 11 years ago as a "day of volunteerism' for the public to partner with state government in preparing parks and beaches for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.

This year, Park Serve Day is set for Saturday, April 29. In Western Massachusetts, volunteers are needed in Holyoke, Turners Falls, and Goshen.

Work gloves and equipment will be provided by the DCR. Participants may bring their own gloves or hand tools, but they should be clearly marked with the owner's name and phone number. Power tools will not be allowed.

Drinking water will be supplied, although participants may bring their own water and food. Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. All events are rain or shine.

"For years, Park Serve Day has signified the unofficial start to the state's outdoor season, encouraging people from every region of the Commonwealth to get outside and lend a helping hand," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I want to thank everyone who is able to volunteer and help prepare our state parks system to be enjoyed by people of all ages again this year.

Massachusetts manages the ninth-largest state park system in the country, with over 450,000 acres of parks, beaches, forests, and reservations, according to DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. He said the Baker administration "remains committed to providing a first class parks system that is accessible and enjoyed by people of all abilities."

More information is available on the DCR's website, where volunteers may register for an event.

If you go:

What: Park Serve Day Western Massachusetts

Where/When:

* Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St. Holyoke, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

* DAR State Forest, Goshen, Campground Pavilion at Nature Center by Site 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Great Falls Discovery Center, Avenue 2A Montague, 10 a.m. to noon

Parking fees will be waived during Park Serve Day.