The consultants recommended that the town quit trying to run the course by itself and instead hire a strong, full-service management company to operate all areas of the facility.

SOUTH HADLEY – Be nicer to the customers.

That’s one of the recommendations of the National Golf Foundation, a consulting agency hired by South Hadley to turn the town-owned Ledges Golf Club into a money-making operation.

The Ledges, which the consultants described as “visually stunning” and “high-quality,” has been losing money for years. Revenue are down, townspeople complain about the debt incurred and committees point fingers.

Now National Golf has submitted to the town a 91-page draft report on what’s wrong with The Ledges and how to fix it.

Besides customer service, the consultants examined issues ranging from the physical landscape to prices, marketing, cronyism, bathroom accessibility and management turnover.

“The Ledges has gone through so many changes in management in the past 10 years, there’s not been any consistency,” said Town Administrator Paul Beecher.

After considering a variety of options, the consultants recommended that the town quit trying to run the course by itself and instead hire a strong, full-service management company to operate all areas of the facility.

Until now, the town has contracted out only the maintenance of the course and the food-and-drink concession.

It’s not that staff members at the golf course aren’t nice, although some golfers surveyed did report rudeness. Those surveyed indicated that some of the staff is poorly trained, or too young, or unable to help.

They also criticized the pace of play. In golf, a “ranger” is supposed to monitor the pace of the game, and tactfully speed players along, so they don’t hold up others. The consultants found some rangers “ineffective.”

Suggestions in the draft report include installing cart paths, improving drainage, maintaining sand traps, increasing tournament play and adding special discounts, price packages and frequent-player programs.

The Selectboard and The Ledges Ad Hoc Committee were scheduled to discuss the draft report at the Selectboard meeting on Nov. 30, but the document arrived on the same day and was so lengthy that they needed more time to review it.

The town is prevented from selling the course because, among other things, it was created in part with government grants that specified how the funds should be used.

Kathleen Gourde said opposition to her request for money to make the historic building handicapped accessible was not a factor in her withdrawing the request/

File photo by Dave Roback / The RepublicanKathleen M. Gourde of Cooper's Gifts in Agawam in the Vera Bradley section of her shop last year.

AGAWAM – A local businesswoman has withdrawn her request for about $131,000 in Community Preservation Act money to provide handicapped accessibility for an historic building she wants to develop into a Thorne’s Market-type retail complex geared toward women.

Kathleen M. Gourde wants to develop the historic building at 161 Main St., into something like the retail complex that helped revitalize Northampton. However, the requirement that the city be able to place a restriction on her property deed in exchange for $130,669 has put financing for the venture in jeopardy, raising “red flags” with a bank.

“We need to investigate if it can still work out,” Gourde said Friday of her proposed financing with Westfield Bank. “I left the door open that we might reapply in the future.

Her request for funding was scheduled for a vote by the City Council Monday. Her application had the endorsement of the Community Preservation Act Committee, Mayor Richard A. Cohen and Deborah S. Dachos, director of the Office of Planning and Community Development.

Gourde had sought help from the city because she would need to bring her building into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act by putting in a wheelchair lift that would provide access to the second floor. She estimates that would cost about $200,000, with the entire retail project coming to well more than $300,000.

Gourde applied for the grant on the basis of the historical importance of the building, an Italianate mansion built in 1861 as a home for naval Civil War hero Ensign Thomas Cooper. Her father, Arthur J. Leary Jr., acquired the building in the 1950s, establishing a furniture store there. The building has been empty since the furniture store closed in mid-2009.

Community Preservation Act money may be used for projects involving historic structures, according to a memo Community Preservation Act Administrator Jennifer Bonfiglio wrote to the City Council. Objects of projects must be “significant to the history, culture, architecture or archeology and demonstrate public benefit,” she wrote.

Such projects may be done with an historical deed restriction that would grant Agawam permanent ownership over historical elements of structures into perpetuity, according to her.

The proposal had become controversial and drew opposition from city resident Virginia M. Czuprynski, who wrote a letter expressing her views to the City Council.

“I don’t think that is what Community Preservation Act money was intended for and I did vote for the Community Preservation Act,” she said. “It was never intended to be a reimbursement for private business.”

The act allows communities to levy a surcharge on property taxes to raise money for use in projects in such areas as recreation, historical preservation, affordable housing and open space preservation. Gourde said opposition to her proposal did not play a role in her decision to withdraw her request.

She operates Cooper’s Gifts and Curtains, a small retail business behind the historic structure.

Getting special attention was Charles Walker-Hoover, the brother of Carl, who killed himself at age 11 after bullying at the Springfield charter school he attended. Watch video

The Republican | Mark M. MurrayBoston Celtics Ray Allen, right surprised Charles Walker-Hoover, left, during a visit to the Glickman School in Springfield on Friday afternoon. Allen was on hand to talk to the students about bullying and answer their questions about playing professional basketball. Charles is the younger brother of Carl Walker-Hoover, who committed suicide in 2009 after being bullied.

By MICHAEL JOHNSON

SPRINGFIELD – NBA superstar Ray Allen surprised students at Glickman Elementary School on Friday with an anti-bullying talk.

Getting special attention was Charles Walker-Hoover, the brother of Carl, who killed himself at age 11 after bullying at the Springfield charter school he attended, according to his mother, Sirdeaner L. Walker. Because of the resulting hardship to the family, and Walker’s national campaign against bullying, the family was chosen as a recipient of a home renovation via “Extreme Edition: Home Makeover.”

The episode about the makeover is scheduled to air Friday night at 8 on ABC. The builder who coordinated the construction, Nick Riley, of Riley Construction in Chicopee, invited about 400 tradesmen who participated in the project to a premier party at the Sheraton Springfield.

Allen, one of the best shooting guards in Boston Celtics history, came to the school to continue his advocacy of the anti-bullying campaign that took shape after Carl took his own life April 2009.

Allen preached the virtues of teamwork and togetherness, especially in light of the circumstances the Walker-Hoover family has had to endure.

“I think it’s important to teach kids that picking on someone isn’t going to make you feel any better, or look any better – only worse,” Allen remarked.

The Celtics star also expressed his admiration of Charles’ mother and the courage she has demonstrated in the face of extreme adversity.

“The way Sirdeaner made it through this process – she’s strong, fierce,” he stated. “I want her to know I stand there with her and commend her.”

Despite the solemn nature of the subject, the afternoon was filled with laughs and levity.

The visit was a surprise to Charles and other students. Charles was called into the office during recess to discover Allen waiting for him to apprehend the magnitude of the situation.

“I hope I’m not ruining your recess,” Allen said, jokingly.

Though Charles was bashful at first, after several minutes he warmed up to the superstar, eventually grinning from ear to ear.

Adorned in his fresh new Celtics shirt and cap, Charles led Allen into the gymnasium where some schoolmates erupted in jubilation.

Allen was visibly humbled by the experience.

“I want to thank him and his family for being so strong and including me in this process,” Allen said.

After roughly 20 minutes of speaking to the children, Allen fielded questions that ranged from the current state of the Celtics to whether or not he would be signing autographs, which he did.

Despite all of the hardships the Walker-Hoover family has had to endure, Allen said he hoped this experience would serve not only as a lesson to this small Springfield school, but to those watching the show across the county.

“Anybody can have great things,” Allen stated. “But the great things we have we must take care of – including each other.”

A lawyer for the developer, Palmer Renewable Energy, defended political contributions made to some city councilors and to Mayor Domenic Sarno.

An artist's rendering of the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy biomass plant off Page Boulevard in East Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD – The City Council, which ran into a unexpected roadblock Monday when it considered filing an appeal against a wood-burning biomass plant in East Springfield, will give it a second try next week.

The council has scheduled a special meeting Wednesday, at 5 p.m., at City Hall, to consider appealing two building permits for the $150 million plant project. Code Enforcement Commissioner Steven T. Desilets recently granted the permits to the developer, Palmer Renewable Energy, for the first phase of construction.

In related news, a lawyer for Palmer Renewable Energy on Friday defended political contributions made to some city councilors and to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, including hundreds of dollars just prior to the Nov. 8 election.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the council will consider filing a “notice of appeal” with the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, prior to a mid-December deadline for appeals.

“I feel pretty confident the City Council will vote to appeal the building permits,” said Michaelann C. Bewsee, a representative of Stop Toxic Incineration in Springfield, which opposes the plant. “I think it’s pretty critical.”

Other councilors including council President Jose F. Tosado, said they believe the votes were there Monday to file the appeal.

Frank Fitzgerald

Frank P. Fitzgerald, a lawyer for Palmer Renewable Energy, said the company is “confident that all our permits have been properly issued and will continue to withstand legal scrutiny.”

On Monday, the council was poised to vote on the appeal when Councilor Kateri B. Walsh invoked a seldom-used council rule, “Rule 20,” which automatically halted debate. The rule prevented a vote until the council obtains a financial analysis of the city’s potential costs in the appeal.

City Comptroller Patrick S. Burns, in analyzing the city’s cost for an appeal, stated in a letter on Nov. 30, that the zoning board “does not require legal representation on behalf of the City Council by the city’s Law Department or a third party law firm.” If an outside lawyer is needed, it would conservatively cost $375 an hour, or $15,000 for 40 hours, Burns said.

Some councilors said they and other councilors could testify before the zoning board without need for lawyers.

The council voted in May to revoke a special permit for the biomass plant by a 10-2 vote, reversing council approval of the permit in 2008. Desilets, in issuing the building permits on Nov. 16, said the project does not require a special permit in an Industrial A zone, based on a city legal opinion and his review of the law.

The building permits were sought by the developer to build a foundation for the 275-foot smokestack and for site preparation work. The plant is proposed at Page Boulevard and Cadwell Drive.

Opponents of the plant say it will worsen pollution and harm public health. Proponents say it complies with all state and federal environmental regulations, and would not harm public health.

David Callahan

Some opponents said that David Callahan, president of Palmer Renewable Energy, and members of his family, gave hundreds of dollars to local elected officials just prior to the Nov. 8 election.

Just days before the election, five members of the Callahan family gave $100 each to Walsh, and six members of the Callahan family gave a total of $2,250 to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, according to campaign finance reports. Sarno has stated he supports the biomass plant providing that it complies with all state and federal regulations.

“The Callahan family has donated to me since my City Council days,” Sarno said. “The projects stand on their own merit. Obviously, we have nothing to hide.”

Bewsee said she does not believe city councilors should take contributions from people who have matters before the council where the petitioners could financially benefit.

Fitzgerald, on behalf of the developer, said the Callahan family and he himself give to candidates “regardless of their positions on any particular issue.” Some Callahans and Fitzgerald have given funds to non-supporters of the plant, he said.

Only two of the building's 16 units were occupied, but three or four new tenants were planning to move in on Saturday, the property manager said. Watch video

The Republican | Dave Roback12/02/11-Springfield- Staff Photo by Dave Roback- Springfield Fire Department at the scene of an apartment fire on Harriet Street in Springfield's North End.

Republican staff photo by Dave RobackSpringfield Fire Department at the scene of an apartment fire on Harriet Street in Springfield's North End.

This is an update of a story first posted at 4:45 p.m. Friday

SPRINGFIELD - A recently renovated apartment building at 34-36 Harriet Street in the city’s North End that was on the verge of accepting new tenants caught fire Friday afternoon and sustained significant damage before the fire could be contained.

Firefighters were still on scene late last Friday night trying to contain the fire. Portions of the roof had collapsed as well as parts of the exterior facade, said Fire Department spokesman Dennis Leger.

The building, he said, is likely a complete loss.

No one was injured.

Just two of the apartment’s 16 buildings were occupied, and the three people who were staying there got out safely, Leger said.

The Pioneer Valley chapter of the American Red Cross was called in to provide temporary shelter, he said.

The fire started in a third-floor bedroom, but firefighters do not yet know the cause he said.

The fire was reported at 4:14 p.m. and when the first firefighters arrived on scene three minutes later, they spotted heavy flames spilling out a third-floor window.

The fire eventually spread to the fourth floor and then to the roof.

After about 30 minutes on scene, firefighters were ordered to abandon the building because it was in danger of collapsing.

Two adjacent buildings were also evacuated as a precaution, Leger said.

Sheryl Chase, the property manager for the apartment, said it had recently undergone
a heavy renovation and was in the process of accepting new tenants.

US Bank foreclosed on the property in January and evicted most of the tenants. Since then it had invested what she said was a significant amount to make repairs.

Chase said three to four new tenants were scheduled to move in on Saturday.

The fire broke out in one of the two apartments that had tenants, she said. While waiting to hear from the fire department, Chase said “I hope to God he is OK.”

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Juan Sanchez, a longtime parking lot attendant stationed across from the Hampden County Hall of Justice, was arrested as bewildered customers waited to retrieve their cars.

File photo | The Republican

SPRINGFIELD – Juan Sanchez, a longtime parking lot attendant stationed across from the Hampden County Hall of Justice, was arrested Friday for selling cocaine he taped to the bottom of parking tickets, according to a state police official.

State Police Sgt. John T. Michel, head of the Hampden County Narcotics Task Force, said a team arrested Sanchez, 24, of Springfield Street, Agawam, at around 10 a.m. as bewildered customers waited to retrieve their cars.

The area has a cluster of public parking lots but Sanchez ran Century 21 Parking directly across from the Hampden County Juvenile Court and housing court.

Michel said the task force was investigating Sanchez for about a month; he allegedly sold cocaine to an undercover trooper five times and a search of his residence revealed more cocaine and marijuana packaged for sale.

The parking lot is a stone’s throw from the Hampden County District Attorney’s office and Michel’s own unit, he said. Sanchez was discreetly selling the drugs under a slew of law enforcement officials’ noses, Michel said.

Sanchez will be held until bail is set and will be arraigned in Springfield District Court on Monday. He is charged with cocaine trafficking, distribution and school zone violations.

Grand Rapids economic development leaders spoke of the private-public partnership that has helped them bounce back, and emphasized, "the word 'private' always comes first."

Submitted photoThe downtown of Grand Rapids, Mich. The City-2-City group from Springfield has just completed a visit there.

By PAUL ROBBINS

In a column I wrote in advance of the City-2-City Greater Springfield trip to Grand Rapids, Mich., I wondered if I would find an urban environment like the one that nurtured me as a child at 163 Bowdoin St. in Springfield’s McKnight neighborhood.

It was near the end of our City-2-City trip that I think I found the answer. The short answer is yes and no.

Sitting on a bus tour through one of Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods, across from Denise Jordan, chief of staff for Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Dora Robinson, who leads the Pioneer Valley United Way, one of them said, “this looks like McKnight.” It did – a dead ringer for my old neighborhood.

Large, handsome Victorian homes, a couple of small commercial areas to serve the people living there and a main thoroughfare, ironically called Wealthy Street, that, like the Worthington Street of my old neighborhood, connects residents to the center city.

It was at the meeting with the two wonderful young men who run an organization called LINC Community Revitalization where I learned it was not quite that simple. We were engaged in a group discussion about the neighborhood reinvestment work they and a number of other non-profits were doing. Really inspiring work includes a “rent to own” program where a percentage of the cumulative rent is applied to the purchase price of a home once the buyer graduates from a financial self-sufficiency program.

It was during this session that Springfield School Committee member Norman Roldan, a City-2-City participant, asked one of the co-directors of LINC whether he would be sending his young children, still not school-aged, to Grand Rapids public schools. Their schools have some of the same problems that face Springfield, such as low academic proficiency and a high drop out rate. There was a long pause, then a thoughtful, earnest answer that reflected the complexity of the age in which we live. This committed young leader told us, with painful honesty, that he wasn’t sure.

It is fair to say that today there are no easy answers in Grand Rapids or in Springfield. But there was much that we learned in Grand Rapids we can apply here at home as we grapple with the same issues.

One thing was reinforced – committed leadership that cares about the future can be transformative. A front-page story in the Grand Rapids Press mourned the recent death of a beloved businessman, the billionaire grocery retailer Fred Meijer. We learned in our welcome session from Mayor George Heartwell that Meijer was one of those private sector leaders who cared and who invested in the city. Our bus trip to one of the working sessions offered testimony as we passed the Meijer Public Broadcasting Center and the Meijers Honors College as we traveled to a session at Grand Valley State University.

We also learned that Grand Valley’s primary campus used to be outside of the city. Now, it has a large vibrant, newer downtown campus – clearly the result of people who cared enough and who had the resources to make it happen. This has put new people, new businesses and new urban-dwellers in the center of the city.

From Mayor Heartwell – like our Mayor Sarno – who has just been elected for the third time and for a four-year term, we learned that Grand Rapids is still a work in progress. He told our group it was not long ago that at five o’clock “we would roll up the streets at night and no one would come downtown.” Once known as “the furniture capital of the world,” Grand Rapids saw its downtown vacated, losing a staggering number of jobs. Today their “Medical Mile,” a $1.4 billion eight-year project has replaced those lost jobs and stimulated new business in downtown.

The economic development leaders we met spoke of the private-public partnership that has helped them bounce back, and emphasized, “the word ‘private’ always comes first.” The contributions from the founders of Amway and the equally successful Steelcase Corporation, companies native to Grand Rapids, demonstrate that private sector commitment. So it is no surprise the place to stay downtown is the Amway Grand Hotel.

We also learned that their Chamber of Commerce some years ago had taken the brave step to address racial inequity and inclusion by forming an Institute for the Healing of Racism, a dialogue program in which more than 8,000 individuals have participated.

It is almost comforting to know there is no easy pathway to re-imaging a city. It takes vision, commitment and, above all, collaboration at all levels. Only through this will we build a better Springfield and a better Bowdoin Street. It is encouraging that so many have joined the City-2-City initiative as a small step in that direction.

Judson-Whitehouse, a longtime fan of the quiz show, said playing it on stage is different from playing in in your living room.

Photo courtesy of Jeopardy! ProductionsSuzanne Judson-Whitehouse of Greenfield appearing on the syndicated game show 'Jeopardy!'

GREENFIELD - Suzanne M. Judson-Whitehouse said she would love to appear on TV quiz show “Jeopardy!” again, but the trouble with once-in-a-lifetime events is you get to do them once.

“I feel like I want to try out for it again because I know how to do the show now,” the Greenfield resident said Friday.

“It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.

Judson-Whitehouse appeared on the long-running quiz show Friday evening, selected after twice trying out to be a contestant.

She finished third place and whiffed on the Final Jeopardy answer (“This word for friend is from the Latin phrase for someone with whom you eat bread.” “What is ‘companion?’). But in spite of all that, Judson-Whitehouse has no regrets.

“I really enjoyed the experience. I had a lot of fun,” she said. “I would have loved to have been able to win a lot of money, but that’s not why I went out there.”

Judson-Whitehouse, who directs a professional development program for K-12 history teachers, said she has been watching the show regularly since the 1980s.

Everyone who has ever played along at home feels they could do well as a contestant, she said.

Judson-Whitehouse said she certainly thought that way, but soon found out it is not that easy.

“It’s completely different,” she said.

“When you’re on stage, its not just about knowing the answer,” she said.

Each contestant has a broad base of knowledge to tap into, but the question only goes to the person who taps their buzzer first, she said.

“A lot of time, everyone knows the answer. But it’s all about being first,” she said.

After trying out twice for Jeopardy!, she got a phone call from the producers in September inviting her out to be a contestant.

Her segment was recorded in October.

Sworn to keep the results secret until the broadcast, Judson-Whitehouse said she told no one how she did.

“My husband knew because he was in the audience but I didn’t even tell my kids.”

Even though it was not the ending she would have preferred, they still invited 20 people over to their home Friday night for the telecast.

“Everyone was cheering. It was great,” she said.

The third assessor has been a political issue over the years, with officials disagreeing whether it's needed.

l

Staff photo by Mark M.MurrayHolyoke Chief Assessor Anthony Dulude

HOLYOKE – The City Council Tuesday will consider whether a third member should be appointed to the Board of Assessors, revisiting a part of government that has been a political issue over the years.

The city has two full-time assessors: Chief Assessor Anthony Dulude, whose yearly salary is $60,994, and Assessor Deborah Brunelle, whose yearly salary is $51,017.

The third assessor would be part time and responsible only for voting on requests from owners who want an abatement, or reduction, in the valuation assigned to their property by the Board of Assessors, City Council President Joseph M. McGiverin said Wednesday.

Over the years, the third assessor was cut to save money, but the position has sparked clashes among councilors and others over whether the job was being wired for someone as repayment for a political favor.

The assessors office at City Hall consists of the two full-time assessors, who often are out examining properties, a full-time clerk and a part-time clerk.

Dulude said in an email that while adding a third assessor is up to the City Council, “I would definitely like another body in the office for the normal day to day operations.”

Chairman Diosdado Lopez of the council Ordinance Committee, which has been discussing the position for months, said having a full-time third assessor was unnecessary.

The Ordinance Committee discussions were prompted by a December 2007 critique of the city’s financial management by the state Department of Revenue.

Among the state’s recommendations was that the city have an odd number of assessors to facilitate voting on abatement requests and avoid deadlocks.

It’s not unusual for issues to be backed up in City Council committees for months or longer as councilors are unable to agree on a step and other issues get attention.

“We were going back and forth for four or five months. That’s where we are right now,” Lopez said.

The City Council meeting Tuesday is at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Lopez said he was unsure what the pay would be for the third assessor.

If the council approves the measure, the responsibility will fall to the new City Council that will be sworn into office in January to seek and interview applicants for the job and appoint a third assessor, he said.

Property owners seek abatements – 100 to 150 are filed every year – when they believe the assessors’ valuation would make them unable to sell their home or has made their tax bill too high. The higher a property’s valuation, the more value there is to tax. Most abatement requests are denied.

Assessors set a property’s value based on the sale prices of similar homes in the area in the previous year.

Cain talked with his wife of 42 years, Gloria, about whether to press on after his campaign was rocked by multiple sexual harassment allegations and this week's claim that he had a 13-year affair.

Associated PressRepublican presidential candidate Herman Cain hugs a supporter at The Magnolia Room at Laurel Creek, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, in Rock Hill , S.C. (AP Photo/ Richard Shiro)

By PHILIP ELLIOTT
and SHANNON McCAFFREY

ATLANTA – Rapidly becoming a mere footnote in the presidential race, Herman Cain sent mixed signals Friday on whether he would abandon his beleaguered White House bid on Saturday after a woman's allegation of an extramarital affair.

He said he would make a "major announcement" on whether he would press on — at an event still being billed as the grand opening of a new headquarters.

It is the latest — and perhaps final — twist in a campaign saga that has taken the Georgia businessman from unknown longshot to surprise frontrunner to embattled tabloid subject.

He arrived at his suburban Atlanta home on Friday afternoon to talk with his wife of 42 years, Gloria, about whether to press on after his campaign was rocked by multiple sexual harassment allegations and this week's claim that he had a 13-year affair. He denies wrongdoing. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the allegation was made public.

Earlier, in a speech in Rock Hill, S.C., Cain wouldn't disclose whether he would drop out but told supporters to stay tuned. He said he would clarify the next steps of the campaign and assured backers the affair claim was "garbage." But he also said he needed to consider what he would do with campaign donations already banked if he dropped out of the race.

"Nobody's going to make me make that prematurely," Cain told a crowd of about 100 people. "That's all there is to it."

"My wife and family comes first. I've got to take that into consideration," Cain added. "I don't doubt the support that I have. Just look at the people who are here."

Cain had not seen his wife since Ginger White, 46, came forward and said she had a sexual affair with Cain that lasted more than a decade. He has said they were only friends but acknowledged that he helped pay her monthly bills and expenses. His wife, Cain said, did not know of the friendship with White.

The former Godfather's pizza executive said he is reassessing whether his presidential bid is still viable.

But it was difficult to imagine a path forward with just a month until the lead-off Iowa caucuses.

Polls suggest his popularity has taken a deep hit.

A Des Moines Register poll released Friday showed Cain's support plummeting, with backing from 8 percent of Republican caucusgoers in Iowa, down from 23 percent a month ago.

Fundraising has also fallen off. He issued an email appeal to supporters on Friday asking for donations, in an attempt to gauge whether his financial support has dried up.

"I need to know that you are behind me 100 percent," Cain told backers. "In today's political environment, the only way we can gauge true support is by the willingness of our supporters to invest in this effort.

A political novice, Cain leveraged strong tea party support to hurtle to the front of the Republican pack in October casting himself as an anti-establishment outsider. His catchy 9-9-9 tax overhaul proposal helped his rise. But his effort soon lost altitude.

He fumbled policy questions, and his campaign was knocked reeling when it was revealed a little more than a month ago that the National Restaurant Association paid settlements to two women who claimed Cain sexually harassed them while he was president of the organization. A third woman told The Associated Press that Cain made inappropriate sexual advances but that she didn't file a complaint. A fourth woman also stepped forward to accuse Cain of groping her in a car in 1997.

Cain has denied wrongdoing in all cases. And his campaign was taking some steps to blunt the drumbeat of allegations.

It unveiled a "Women for Herman Cain" webpage with testimonials from female backers, some urging him to stay in the race. It was led by Gloria Cain.

The candidate's wife — who's not been on the campaign trail — has drawn her own support as the allegations against her husband have piled up.

A Facebook page "I Stand With Gloria Cain" had attracted more than 400 supporters by Friday afternoon.

On Friday, Cain urged backers in South Carolina to look past the allegations.

"There's a lot of garbage on the Internet. There's a lot of garbage out there on the TV. There's a lot of garbage out there about me, don't you know? There's a lot of misinformation out there. You have to stay informed and check out the facts for yourself," Cain said.

He added: "I'm on this journey for a reason. I don't look back."

Word of a pending announcement took some aides by surprise.

"I am learning this as you're learning it," said Cain's Iowa campaign chairman, Steve Grubbs, who met Thursday with campaign manager Mark Block.

The two outlined a December travel schedule for Cain, who began advertising on television again in Iowa on Friday.

As of Friday afternoon, Cain was scheduled to participate in the two Iowa debates this month, hold a media announcement in Iowa on Dec. 12 and tour the state at the end of the month.

"That's sort of the plan, very tentatively," Grubbs said. "All that could change."

Georgia supporters set to attend the Saturday event in Atlanta — billed as a headquarters celebration — were taken aback by the news that an announcement was coming.

"I have heard nothing," said state Sen. Josh McKoon, a prominent Cain backer who will stand with him Saturday.

Philip Elliott reported from Rock Hill, S.C. Associated Press writers Ray Henry in Atlanta and Thomas Beaumont in Iowa contributed to this report.

When the show began to air on abc40, those gathered at the Sheraton Springfield clapped, and when Walker spoke about her son Carl, some began to cry.

The Republican | Dave RobackHomeowner Sirdeaner Walker, center, enters the gathering at the "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" party put on by builder Nick Riley at the Springfield Sheraton in Springfield Friday evening.

SPRINGFIELD – Hundreds turned out Friday night to celebrate their efforts to rebuild the home of the Sirdeaner Walker family and to watch their results be aired for the first time on television.

Nick Riley, of Riley Construction in Chicopee, the builder for the renovated house, hosted the party at Sheraton Springfield to thank the roughly 400 tradesmen who helped rebuild the house over seven days in September through the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” show.

The Walker family was chosen after the suicide of 11-year-old Carl Walker-Hoover, who killed himself in 2009 after bullying at the charter school he attended, according to his mother. Walker said after Carl killed himself on the third floor the family began “camping” on the first floor.

When the show began to air on abc40, those gathered at the Sheraton clapped, and when Walker spoke about Carl, some began to cry.

In addition to the tradesmen, there were also countless volunteers, Riley said. “We want to thank everybody who worked on the project,” he said.

Walter Tomala, Riley’s project manager for the makeover, called building the house “the best week of my life.”

“We worked ’round the clock,” he said. “We had hundreds of people, tradespeople and families and friends working all shifts.”

Speaking during the party, Walker said she feels like she failed her son, Carl, in life, but promised she would never fail him in death.

She said has made it her cause to win support for state and national school anti-bullying laws.

The children at his school said Carl, who carried a lot of books in his backpack and liked to read, acted gay and like a girl, his family said.

Sirdeaner Walker’s cause has taken her to the Statehouse and the White House, and she has met Gov. Deval L. Patrick and President Obama.

Walker was thrilled when “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” offered to rebuild her house on Northampton Avenue.

Jillian Harris, one of the designers for the show, said she hopes the new home helps the family continue their healing process.

Walker said, “This is not just Carl’s story. It is for all the families and children who are victims of bullying who are voiceless.”

Walker said she feels it is important that the celebrities on “Extreme Makeover” have lent their voices to deliver the message that it is not cool to be a bully in school.

For some children, celebrities are role models, she said.

“All children need a caring, safe environment,” Walker said.

“We want to thank everybody who worked on the project,” Riley said.

A woman was arrested and taken into custody after allegedly slashing another woman in the face. The nature of the dispute and the condition of the injured woman were unavailable.

SPRINGFIELD — Police arrested a stabbing suspect in connection with a Saturday incident in the city's Indian Orchard neighborhood.

The precise time of the incident was unavailable, but police and detectives arrested a woman accused of slashing another woman at a Cardinal Street address, which is located near Lake Lorraine in the Orchard.

The victim was "slashed in the face," Springfield Police Lt. John Slepchuk said, adding that the suspect was "being booked" at police headquarters as of 3 a.m. Saturday.

The suspect's name and the condition of the alleged victim were not immediately available. The injured woman showed up at a city hospital for treatment, which is how authorities came to know about the incident.

Detectives, through their investigation, learned that the suspect was at an address in the city's Old Hill section, where an arrest was made at 194 Pendleton Ave.

The nature of the alleged dispute was not immediately known, though there was an "issue about child care," Slepchuk said.

Authorities said two of the suspects, a teenager and an adult, assaulted a police officer during an arrest at a Tokenke road address.

Republican file photo

HOLYOKE — Officers arrested three adults and a teenager in connection with a disturbance reported at 12:59 a.m. Saturday at 113 Tokenke Road, according to Holyoke police records.

Yesenia Ortiz, 27, of 586 S. Summer St., Apt. 1621, Holyoke, and a 15-year-old juvenile each were charged with single counts of disorderly conduct and assault and battery on a police officer, police said.

Nilsa Sanchez, 41, 23 N. Summer St., Apt. 2B, Holyoke, and Orlando Luis Berdecia, 29, of 81 Ambrose St., Springfield, each were charged with single counts of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, police said.

The nature of the disturbance was unclear. More information will be posted on MassLive as it becomes available.

Police said a victim sustained a single puncture wound to the abdomen during an incident at the housing complex near the East Longmeadow line.

Republican file photo

SPRINGFIELD — Police responded to a report of a stabbing just before 2 a.m. Saturday in the 200 block of Canon Circle, a housing complex on the East Longmeadow town line.

The victim appeared to sustain a single puncture wound to the abdomen, according to Springfield police, who were having difficulty learning what led to the incident.

"Everybody's uncooperative. Nobody knows anything," an officer at the scene said.

Initial police reports indicated it appeared someone had attempted to wash blood from a patio area outside one of the apartment units.

An officer said the victim's injury "doesn't appear to be life-threatening, but you never know."

Police said the victim was not cooperating with investigating officers.

Canon Circle is located off Cooley Street in the Outer Belt section of Springfield's Sixteen Acres neighborhood.

Lottie's Professional Dog Grooming is the subject of a joint Wilbrahm police and MSPCA investigation following the death of a dog at the Boston Road facility.

Republican file photo

WILBRAHAM — Authorities are investigating an alleged case of animal cruelty at a local pet grooming store.

Wilbraham Police Sgt. Timothy F. Kane confirmed that his department and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are probing an incident involving the death of a dog at Lottie's Professional Dog Grooming, 2489 Boston Road.

Police said they immediately launched an investigation after learning of the incident, which allegedly occurred last weekend.

The owner of the grooming business, who is cooperating with investigators, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Kane said local officers will assist the MSPCA with the investigation, details of which were unavailable early Saturday.

The MSPCA encourages people who suspect animal cruelty, a felony crime in Massachusetss, to call them at (617) 522-6008 or (800) 628-5808.

A recent East Longmeadow animal-cruelty investigation was terminated after authorities determined that cuts found on a caged dog were apparently bite marks inflicted by another animal.

This mark's Toy for Joy's 89th year.

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SPRINGFIELD – A full slate of volunteers kept Toy for Joy registrations running smoothly all week this week.

“Things have been going very well,” said Maj. Thomas E. Perks, co-commander of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army Citadel.

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign, jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

Hasbro employees Helen Van Tassell and Judy Buoniconti were among those taking Toy for Joy registrations on Friday, the last formal day of registrations here.

“It’s very important for the children, especially with the economy the way it is,” said Buoniconti.

“This is part of the Hasbro culture,” said Van Tassell. “We have a long history of giving.”

In all, some 103 volunteers helped with the week’s registrations here, including personnel from Springfield Technical Community College and Sodexo, Perks said.

Toy for Joy registrations also ended this week in Westfield, Greenfield and Northampton. They will continue at the Holyoke Citadel through Friday.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army by unloading the toys when they arrive and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

The most recent batch of donations tally to $650, bringing the total to date to $6,298. That leaves $143, 702 to be raised by Dec. 23.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
In loving memory of Roland and Gary Deyette from your family, $20
In memory of Charlotte LaCoste and Vivian Godek, love Paul and Debbie, $100
In loving memory of Cheryl Ann Levy, $25
The Douglas family, $10
For my dear friend Mary from Phil, $25
In memory of Mark E Sandow, $60
In memory of Emile and Ginny Grenier, missed more each year, who made Christmas a musical time from Sandy, $25
In memory of Maddog, Pojke and Gus from Jo and Pete, $25
Merry Christmas and enjoy from Roger and Shirley, $15
In fond remembrance of my loving wife Fran from Phil, $25
Loving memory of Bill and Theresa Chadwick, $100
With love on behalf of our grandchildren Tara, Eric and Troy, $30
Quinn and Rowan, $50
In remembrance of my mother Viola Dubee, $10
Dot, Ted, Roy and Dick, we miss you, love FAB, $20
In memory of our grandson Joshua Bailey, $25
Merry Christmas from Gary and Lynn, $50
In memory of George from Marge, $10
Harvey and Jackie, $25

RECEIVED, $650
TOTAL TO DATE, $6,298
STILL NEEDED, $143,702

The intercampus student investment competition features teams from Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell, all of which must invest and manage seed money provided by UMass.

AMHERST — For a team of young investors from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, defeating rivals from UMass-Lowell, the reigning champions in an intercampus investment competition, doesn't just mean bragging rights – the victory also comes with a $5,000 investment award.

Sean McDavitt, a senior at UMass-Amherst's Isenberg School of Management and leader of the local team that helps manage the Minutemen Equity Fund, said the so-called Student Managed Funds competition is a fun way to hone investing skills.

"I really enjoy getting to study the decisions companies make and how they affect end-value for the investor, as well as the thrill of watching your investment hypothesis become reality," McDavitt said in a statement. "Also, it's fun to be around smart people."

UMass-Amherst senior Sean McDavitt led the team that bested UMass-Lowell in an investment management competition involving real funds.

McDavitt was instrumental in ending the string of victories by UMass-Lowell, champions ever since the competition was established in 2008. The previous year, the University of Massachusetts Foundation laid the groundwork for the intercampus competition by giving student teams from Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell $25,000 apiece in endowment funds to manage.

With guidance from faculty advisers and the UMass Foundation Investment Committee, the teams were tasked with investing that seed money in the stock market, with victory going to whichever team gets the best return for their investments.

Although UMass-Lowell had brought home the bacon for the first three years of the competition, Year Four, as it might come to be known, will forever go down in UMass history as the year in which the Amherst team flexed its investor muscles to deliver a performance exceeding the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

By the end of Fiscal Year 2011, the Minutemen Equity Fund had a balance of $112,770, according to university officials. The 18-student team from Amherst ultimately achieved a nearly 31 percent (30.93) investment return for the fiscal year, slightly exceeding the Standard & Poor's 500 Index of 30.66 percent and outpacing the other UMass student investment teams.

As a result, the Amherst team won a $5,000 award, which will be added to its investment account.

"This is an extremely impressive achievement and reflects the knowledge and sophistication of the students involved," UMass President Robert L. Caret said in a statement. "Students from our Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell campuses have performed with distinction. This year, the Amherst team came out on top, but I envision spirited, demanding competitions in the future."

But, if bragging rights do come with victory (to the victor goes the spoils, etc.), the Amherst team so far has managed to keep its braggadocio at bay, as evidenced by the rather muted celebratory statement on the Minutemen Equity Fund's Facebook page.

The Sierra Club and other environmental activists are pushing the governor to seek alternatives to biomass incinerators and to take a tougher stance against aging coal plants in Massachusetts.

SPRINGFIELD — Environmental activists plan to picket Gov. Deval L. Patrick's Springfield office on Saturday to push for better clean air protections in Massachusetts, according to the Sierra Club, which is conducting this morning's "Clean Air Rally."

Dozens of protesters are scheduled to gather at 11 a.m. outside the governor's office at 436 Dwight St., where public health professionals and local activists are expected to support alternatives to "dirty biomass incinerators" and to promote the retirement of aging coal plants, the Sierra Club said in a statement.

Organizers say activists will display 1,000 petitions asking Patrick for stronger clean air protections from the state Department of Environmental Protection and stronger biomass regulations from the Department of Energy.

Scheduled speakers will include Bill Ravanesi, of Health Care Without Harm, John Berkowitz, of Pioneer Valley Climate Action, and Thomas Taaffe, of Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, among others. Local students also are expected to attend.

The rally is part of the "Beyond Coal to Clean Energy Campaign" organized by the Sierra Club, one of the nation's oldest grassroots environmental organizations.

Meanwhile, the Springfield City Council is considering appealing building permits for a $150 million wood-burning biomass plant in East Springfield. The developer, Palmer Renewable Energy, recently received permits for the first phase of construction.

Opposition to that project is expected to figure into today's rally.

Dozens of protesters took to the streets outside of Gov. Deval Patrick's Springfield office on Saturday calling for tougher clean air rules, retirement of the Mt. Tom coal-burning power plant and for opposition to proposed biomass plants in Western Massachusetts.

12.03.2011. SPRINGFIELD - Protesters from a variety of organizations joined the Sierra Club on Saturday for a clean air rally outside Mass. gov. Deval Patrick's Springfield office on Dwight Street. (Republican Photo by Robert Rizzuto)

SPRINGFIELD - Dozens of protesters took to the streets outside of Gov. Deval Patrick's Springfield office on Saturday calling for tougher clean air rules, retirement of the Mt. Tom coal-burning power plant and for opposition to proposed biomass plants in Western Massachusetts.

"It's simple- clean energy does not come out of a smokestack," said Jesse Lederman, spokesperson for Stop Toxic Incarceration in Springfield. "The proposed biomass plants in Greenfield and Russell were cast down by their citizens and the Springfield plant was opposed by a majority of the city council. So why is Gov. Patrick continuing to cave to the timber industry and not standing up for the people who elected him?"

Lederman's question was among the many protesters offered as they presented information on air quality in the Pioneer Valley.

"The Mt. Tom plant burns 1,200 tons of coal each operating day. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that asthma rates for Holyoke are at a record level of 23.3 percent, which is more than double the statewide average of 10.8 percent," said Bill Ravenesi, regional director of Health Care Without Harm. "We need to work together to retire this plant and have just transition for the displaced workers in Holyoke."

In October, FirstLight Power Resources and GDF Suez North America, the company which owns the Mt. Tom Power Plant, announced it was laying off half of the 60-person staff. Protesters said they were sensitive to the plight of the workers trying to provide for their families and that they want Gov. Patrick to authorize further investment in "green-manufacturing" in Holyoke to replace the jobs from the desired closing of the coal-burning power plant.

U-Mass Amherst students Eric Feltham, Jon Midler and Maxwell Anderson presented a petition of more than 1,000 Pioneer valley residents and more than 30 businesses who are calling on the governor for stronger pollution safeguards, specifically in relation to the Mt. Tom Power Plant in Holyoke.

In relation to the wood-burning biomass plant being pursued by Palmer Renewable Energy for development in East Springfield, Lederman and his associates took issue with City Councilor Kateri B. Walsh.

At this past Monday's council meeting, Walsh invoked the seldom-used Rule 20, which halted debate and prevented voting on the biomass issue until there is a financial analysis by the city comptroller of potential legal expenses.

"Her actions have shown that she is for the biomass plant and her campaign finance records show $500 worth of donations from the Callahan family," Lederman said.

President of Palmer Renewable Energy David Callahan and members of his family gave hundreds of dollars to local elected officials prior to the Nov. 8 election.

Just days before the election, five members of the Callahan family gave $100 each to Walsh and six members of the Callahan family gave a total of $2,250 to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, according to campaign finance reports.

Sarno has stated he supports the biomass plant providing that it complies with all state and federal regulations.

The Springfield City Council has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m., at City Hall, to consider appealing two building permits for the $150 million biomass plant project.

Reporter Peter Goonan contributed to this report.

The dog officer said is it critical that the dog is found because he has a seizure condition and must take medication for it.

Palmer Dog Pound photoHere is a photograph of Arnie, the pitbull who was stolen from the Palmer Dog Pound this week.

PALMER - A day before he was going to be placed in a new home, Arnie the pitbull was stolen from the Palmer dog pound on Bridge Street.

Dog Officer Wendy LeSage said the gray and white, 55-pound pitbull that she named Arnie was taken sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Someone scaled the 4-foot fence to get inside the pen, and broke the lock to steal the 1-year-old pitbull.

“He was a beautiful boy, a wonderful dog who was good with other dogs. He was well-mannered and not destructive,” LeSage said on Saturday.

A home for him had been found in town, and he was going to be picked up on Friday. The family was ready to take him earlier in the week, but LeSage said the adoption was delayed so he could get neutered first. She said the new owner, who is retired, had two dogs die within a year and is heartbroken over the loss of Arnie.

Arnie was picked up on Oct. 20 when he wandered into Gil’s Gym on Wilbraham Street (Route 20).

“We thought somebody would come to claim him. We thought his owner had gone in there,” LeSage said.

She said is it critical that the dog is found because he has a seizure condition and must take medication for it.

The news about the missing dog, and the reward being offered for his return, is spreading on the Internet through the Palmer MA Municipal Dog Pound Facebook page.

LeSage said she was just contacted by the dog’s original owner, who is in Willington, Conn., who also wants him back. The man told her that his 3-year-old daughter named the dog Moose, and that he was stolen from their yard in August.

"He does want him back when we find him. He was well cared for when we picked him up. He is an exceptional dog . . . It’s heartbreaking all around,” LeSage said.

She said they hope to increase the $300 reward, and anyone who wants to make a donation can send checks directly to the Town of Palmer, dog gift account, 4417 Main St., Palmer, MA, 01069 and write “reward” in the memo. She said the dog can be brought to any VCA animal hospital during their open hours, no questions asked.

LeSage, who took over as dog officer in July, said she has been told this is not the first time a dog has been stolen from the pound. She is in the process of trying to update the facility, and said she may now install a taller fence.

Anyone who has information about the dog can call the Palmer Police Department at (413) 283-8792 or the dog pound at (413) 283-7770.