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Holyoke police bust nets $51,000 in heroin in mall parking lot after multi-agency surveillance

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Two men were arrested and 5,100 packets of heroin were seized, police said.


HOLYOKE – A two-person arrest at the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside netted $51,000 worth of heroin.

Lt. Matthew F. Moriarty said, in a phone interview Thursday and an email earlier this week, that 5,100 packets of heroin were seized June 1 after police learned a large shipment was headed to the mall.

Abraham Heredia, 20, of Holyoke, was charged with heroin trafficking and conspiracy to violate the drug law, he said.

Jordan Keagy, 25, of South Glenns Falls, N.Y. was charged with heroin trafficking, conspiracy to violate the drug law, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, he said.

Heredia and Keagy were set to be arraigned in Holyoke District Court Monday but the outcomes were unavailable.

Officers established surveillance in a mall parking lot at 6 p.m. They saw Heredia in a gray Kia Spectra, and after Keagy approached and entered the car, officers converged, he said.

Keagy struggled but was handcuffed and searched found to have a large fixed blade and 30 bags of heroin, he said.

Heredia was also taken out of the vehicle and heroin packets were found in the passenger side door. Heredia was handcuffed without incident, he said.

Holyoke Narcotics Unit officers worked the case with the Western Massachusetts FBI Gang Task Force and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, he said.


LUXE Burger Bar scheduled to open at site of former Visitor Information Center in Springfield

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Construction, which is expected to begin this summer, should take six months to complete, developer Raipher Pellegrino said.

SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Redevelopment Authority has finalized the sale of the former Visitor Information Center off Interstate 91 to a development group for $450,001, planning to open a LUXE Burger Bar.

Lustra LLC, led by local developer Raipher Pellegrino, was chosen as the preferred developer in December. The sale closed on June 1, and construction is expected to begin this summer and take six months to complete, according to the redevelopment authority and Pellegrino.

“We’re excited that this building will again have positive activity and will create many new jobs for city residents,” authority Chairman Armando Feliciano said this week in a release. “The project is a good combination of a local developer with a well-established restaurant group from Providence.”

The visitor center property, located at 1200 Hall of Fame Ave., also known as West Columbus Ave., has been vacant since the center moved to the nearby Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

The developers are planning to invest $1.9 million in the building renovation project, according to plans.

LUXE Burger Bar is owned by Chow Fun Food Groups, which owns and operates several restaurants in the Providence, R.I., area. Lustra LLC lists Jennifer Stefanik as manager and resident agent.

“I’m extremely excited to be able to bring such a quality, well-established group of restaurateurs to Springfield to further enhance the dining options for our citizens,” Pellegrino said. “The theme of Mayor Sarno has been to move the city forward. I’m very happy to play a small role in moving the city forward.”

The authority received two proposals for the site and accepted the high bid. The revenues from the sale go to the authority for future urban renewal efforts.

Local developer Peter Pappas and his Alliance Converting Machinery Inc. offered $223,024 for the property.

Pappas had asked the authority in recent weeks to consider disqualifying Lustra LLC, saying the plans have idled too long. Authority members said a month ago they were satisfied with efforts at that time, and the closing of the sale has now occurred.

Pappas had redeveloped the former Basketball Hall of Fame on West Columbus Avenue, a $14 million project that includes the LA Fitness and Mama Iguana’s Restaurant. He was proposing a restaurant at the Visitor Information Center site, and said he was ready to immediately proceed had Lustra been disqualified.

Ex-Boston gang leader arrested in extortion case

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The Middlesex District Attorney's office said Winter, of Milbury, and 70-year-old James Melvin of Braintree were arrested Thursday night. They are accused of attempting to extort $35,000 from each of two individuals who had arranged a $100,000 business loan for a third man last fall.

BOSTON — Massachusetts prosecutors have announced the arrest of 83-year-old former Boston-area gang boss Howie Winter, a predecessor of James "Whitey" Bulger as head of the Winter Hill Gang in the 1960s and '70s, on attempted extortion and conspiracy charges.

The Middlesex District Attorney's office said Winter, of Milbury, and 70-year-old James Melvin of Braintree were arrested Thursday night. They are accused of attempting to extort $35,000 from each of two individuals who had arranged a $100,000 business loan for a third man last fall.

Prosecutors said the alleged victims began getting threatening phone calls after the borrower stopped making payments in January.

Winter and Melvin are charged with attempted extortion and conspiracy and are to be arraigned Friday in Somerville District Court. It's not immediately determined if they have attorneys.

The Boston Globe reports that Bulger, an FBI informant, replaced Winter as leader of the Irish gang after Winter was indicted in a horserace fixing scheme. Winter was released from prison in the 1980s but later convicted of dealing cocaine. He was released from prison in 2002 and had sought to have his probation shortened because of ill health in 2006.

The Globe reports that Winter declined to cooperate with authorities against Bulger, then a fugitive on federal organized crime charges, in the 1990s.

Bulger was captured in California in June 2011 after 16 years on the run. Bulger is charged with participating in 19 murders and faces trial in Boston in November.

Facebook rolling out central location for apps

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The App Center, available on Facebook's website and on Apple and Android mobile devices, will recommend apps to users based on their interests, the types of apps their friends like, or the apps they have liked in the past.

This undated handout product image provided by Facebook shows the company's logo for its new App Center. On Thursday, Facebook is beginning to roll out its App Center to its nearly 1 billion users, so they can find games and other applications with a social component more easily. The App Center will initially feature about 500 Facebook apps, mostly games, that the company has reviewed to meet its quality standards. (AP Photo/Facebook)

NEW YORK (AP) — There's more to Facebook apps than "Angry Birds" and Pinterest, but many users wouldn't know that because there hasn't been a good, central way to find them.

Facebook Inc. is trying to change that. On Thursday, Facebook is beginning to roll out its App Center to its nearly 1 billion users, so they can find games and other applications with social components more easily.

The App Center, available on Facebook's website and on Apple and Android mobile devices, will recommend apps to users based on their interests, the types of apps their friends like, or the apps they have liked in the past.

Many people are introduced to Facebook apps in the form of sometimes-annoying requests from their friends for poker partners, Scrabble buddies or neighbors on virtual farms. Those requests haven't necessarily matched a user's specific interests.

The new App Center will initially feature about 600 Facebook apps, mostly games, reviewed by the company to meet its quality standards. Games, such as Zynga's "CityVille" and Electronic Arts' "The Sims," are the most popular types of apps on Facebook.

But the company is betting that by personalizing recommendations to users, people will find new types of applications beyond games, along with games that are more interesting to them. There are all sorts of social apps that use Facebook, from music-listening services such as Spotify to what-you-just-ate tools such as Foodspotting.

"We spend all day, every day building a platform (so that) great social games and apps can exist," said Matt Wyndowe, product manager for apps and games at Facebook. But a common question has long been where to find them. "Up until now, we haven't had a great answer to that question."

Facebook said that on mobile devices, the App Center won't compete with other app stores, such as Apple's or Google's. Rather, the App Center will send users to those other stores to download the programs. People can also get mobile apps from their regular computers by using a feature called "send to mobile."

Among the roughly 600 applications included in the App Center at launch will be the Nike Plus GPS running app, which lets users track their runs and broadcast it to their Facebook feed. Ricky Engelberg, whose title at Nike is experience director at digital sport, said having a place where apps are showcased will "let more people be part of the Nike Plus community."

The App Center, which Facebook announced last month, will be rolled out to U.S. users beginning Thursday night and to everyone else over the coming weeks.

Gov. Patrick to address Penn. Democrats

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The Massachusetts Democrat is flying out of state on Friday afternoon to talk to campaign backers in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

Deval Patrick, Barack ObamaPresident Barack Obama, accompanied by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, waves during a campaign fundraising event in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is heading out of town again to help fire up President Barack Obama's supporters.

The Massachusetts Democrat is flying out of state on Friday afternoon to talk to campaign backers in Plymouth Meeting, Pa.

Later in the day Patrick will deliver a keynote address at a dinner sponsored by the Pennsylvania Democratic Party at the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia.

Patrick is scheduled to return to Massachusetts Friday evening.

Patrick, who serves as a co-chairman of Obama's election campaign, has formed his own political action committee to help pay for his campaign activities across the country on behalf of Obama and Democrats.

Patrick has said that he's not interested in running for a third term as governor.

Rift over political spending divides huge AFSCME union

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Retiring AFSCME president Gerald McEntee has been known as a leading liberal voice and political kingmaker in the Democratic Party.

060812union.jpgIn this March 6, 2012 file photo AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Lee A. Saunders speaks in Albany, N.Y. A heated battle is taking place inside the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees after its failed effort this week to oust Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker. At stake is the future direction of the 1.3-million-member government workers union following the labor movement's biggest political loss in three decades.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A heated battle is taking place inside a giant U.S. public employees' union following its crushing failure this week to oust Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker — organized labor's biggest political loss in decades.

At stake is the direction of the 1.3-million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees after 31 years under retiring president Gerald McEntee. He's been known for his zeal to build and maintain AFSCME's clout as a leading liberal voice and political kingmaker in the Democratic Party.

A major question is whether that should continue.

Fresh off losses in the Wisconsin recall election and in California municipal referendums rolling back public employee pension and health benefits, the union will pick a successor to the 77-year-old McEntee in two weeks.

The race is shaping up as a broader debate on whether AFSCME should become more prudent in doling out cash to Democratic causes and candidates and perhaps make itself less a lightning rod for attacks from conservatives.

The union's No. 2 official, secretary-treasurer and McEntee protege Lee Saunders, faces a strong challenge from Danny Donohue, the union's leader in New York state. Donohue questions whether the union's free-spending ways in the political arena have been effective given the pounding public employees are taking around the country.

Delegates will select their new leader June 20 at the union's convention in Los Angeles.

AFSCME has pledged to spend about $100 million this election cycle — more than any other union — to help re-elect President Barack Obama and boost other labor-friendly candidates at the federal, state and local levels. AFSCME was the biggest overall spender in the 2010 midterm elections, pouring about $93 million into races around the country.

Donohue criticizes McEntee's approach as "checkbook unionism," saying the union has been too Washington-focused and has lost sight of the issues facing members locally.

"We seem to be trying to throw money at problems," Donohue said in an interview. "Instead of writing a check, how do we galvanize our members?"

"It's just not about the Senate and the House. It's about the governor races, the county races, who's going to be mayor in some cities. Our enemies ... didn't start in Washington, they started at the school board and county level," he said

The union has been hit hard in recent years, losing about 10 percent of its members since 2009, according to public filings and internal documents reviewed by The Associated Press.

AFSCME claims it has 1.6 million members, but a spokesman says that includes retirees. Its most recent annual report with the U.S. Department of Labor says it had about 1,423,000 active members in 2011. That number has dropped to about 1,315,000 as of February, documents show.

Saunders defends the McEntee era and says accusations the union is too focused on national politics are wrong. He said about 65 percent of the union's political budget goes to local battles.

"I think we've got to recognize that we have one of the best political and legislative operations in the country and I think we've done a lot of things that are right," Saunders said in an interview.

Donohue claims the union doesn't share enough information with members about how their political money is spent.

Some labor leaders were scratching their heads, for example, when AFSCME spent $1 million in January to buy TV ads in Florida criticizing Mitt Romney ahead of the state's GOP presidential primary. They questioned whether that was the best use of the union's money in a year when collective bargaining seemed under attack in more than a dozen state legislatures around the country.

"Rather than just dumping it all on the primary fight with Romney, we could have spent half of it mobilizing our members," Donohue said.

Saunders said the Florida ad buy linking Romney to a culture of "corporate greed" during his time running the private-equity firm Bain Capital was effective in "softening up" the presumptive GOP nominee. He pointed out that Obama's re-election campaign is now going after Romney on the same issue.

McEntee, who has strongly endorsed Saunders, defends his own tenure as having built the strongest grass-roots operation in American labor.

"We worked our hearts out on the 2010 elections," McEntee said when asked if the union could have done more to prepare for the onslaught of anti-union measures in Wisconsin and other states. "Anyone who indulges in Monday morning quarterbacking on the 2010 elections is delusional."

And Saunders says he never heard Donohue complain about AFSCME's political strategy until he recently made it an issue in his bid for the union presidency.

Donohue has also criticized what he considers exorbitant spending and lavish salaries for the union's top leaders. McEntee earned a base salary of $387,671 in 2011. Donohue has pledged to slash that by $100,000 if he wins. Donohue currently earns about $200,000. Saunders' salary is $310,137.

The election is a rematch between the two candidates. Saunders narrowly defeated Donohue in a 2010 race to become secretary-treasurer. Before that, Saunders was McEntee's executive assistant in charge of running the union's political operation. He began his career with AFSCME in 1978 as a labor economist.

Donohue has been president of the New York State Civil Service Employees Association since 1994 and has been with the union since 1975.

Springfield native Kathy Kerrigan sworn in as U.S. Tax Court judge in Washington, D.C.

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Kerrigan is the daughter of former Springfield mayor William C. Sullivan

Kathy Kerrigan 6812.jpgKathy Kerrigan

Springfield native Kathy Kerrigan was sworn in as U.S. Tax Court Judge on Thursday in a ceremony which took place in the U.S. Tax Court in Washington, D.C.

Kerrigan is the daughter of former Springfield mayor William C. Sullivan and was nominated to the position in May, 2011 by President Barack Obama.

On March 29 the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed her nomination.

Kerrigan has worked for the United States Congress for 14 years, including for six years for U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. Kerrigan was born and raised in Springfield, where her father, William C. Sullivan, served as mayor from 1973 to 1977.

Kerrigan also previously served as legislative director for U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield.

"It's meaningful when your staff goes on to even greater things, and it was particularly special to be among the first to address Kathy as 'Your Honor,' " Kerry said in a prepared statement.

"Any good judge starts with honesty, integrity, and intellectual excellence, and those qualities define Kathy, they're qualities in her I've admired throughout her 14 years on Capitol Hill," he said.

Added Neal, "I could not be more proud of Kathy being sworn in as tax judge. It is another reminder of the terrific and talented people I've had working for me throughout my career. I am always pleased when one of the alumni moves on to bigger and better things. It has always been my belief that when you reach your potential, your potential expand."

Wall Street: Stock market posts best week of 2012

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Oil fell 72 cents to $84.10 per barrel.

By JOSHUA FREED | AP Business Writer

022012_walmart.JPGCustomers walk into and out of a Wal-Mart store in Methuen. Wal-Mart Stores was the biggest gainer in the Dow Jones industrial average on Friday, up $2.35, or 3.6 percent, at $68.22.

Stocks rose for the fourth day in a row on Friday, capping their best week so far this year.

It was a relief for investors after the big drops of the previous week.

Stocks fell in morning trading, with the Dow Jones industrial average down almost 63 points. But they turned around after the government said businesses are restocking their shelves faster than analysts had expected.

The Commerce Department said U.S. wholesale stockpiles grew 0.6 percent in April. That's twice as fast as they grew in March and a sign that businesses are ordering enough goods to lead to increased factory production and sales. Investors had been braced for more sluggish growth.

Oil fell 72 cents to $84.10 per barrel. Sure, it was pushed down by long-term economic worries. But lower energy costs help consumers.

"If you had some doubts about an economic recovery, oil in the $80s is a lot better than oil at $110," said Jim Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC Wealth Management in Philadelphia. Oil traded just below $110 in late February.

The Dow finished 93.24 points higher, or three-quarters of a percent, at 12,554.20. It ended the week up almost 3.6 percent.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 10.67 points, or 0.81 percent, to close at 1,325.66. The Nasdaq composite rose 27.40 points, or 0.97 percent, to close at 2,858.42.

Nine out of the ten industry groups in the S&P 500 rose. Only energy stocks declined, following energy prices lower.

Wal-Mart Stores was the biggest gainer in the Dow, up $2.35, or 3.6 percent, at $68.22. Other companies that depend heavily on a strong economy grew too, including Intel, up 47 cents, or 1.8 percent, at $26.41, and General Electric, up 20 cents, or 1 percent, to $19.20. Home Depot rose $1.11, or 2.2 percent, to $52.35.

Facebook rose 79 cents, or 3 percent, to $27.10 after announcing an "app center" that will recommend new add-on software for users. Anything that boosts user interaction is likely to help it sell more ads, which has been a key concern for investors in its new stock, which debuted three weeks ago at $38.

Chesapeake Energy shareholders punished their directors and were rewarded by the market. The stock rose 51 cents, or 2.9 percent, to $18.36 after shareholder votes prompted the resignations of two directors at the company's annual meeting Friday. Earlier in the day the company said it will sell pipeline assets in three deals for a total of more than $4 billion in cash.

Navistar International rose $4.25, or 17.6 percent, to $28.36 after the activist investor Carl Icahn boosted his stake in the truck maker.

Markets fell in Asia. Shanghai's stock index lost a half-percent, its fifth day of losses. Japan's Nikkei fell 2.1 percent.

Chinese leaders have been showing signs of urgency ahead of May trade and industrial data due out this weekend that might be even weaker than earlier pessimistic forecasts. The Chinese government cut interest rates for the first time in four years and has reduced gasoline and diesel prices for the second time in a month.

Over the long run, that will put more money in the pockets of Chinese consumers. In the short run it's a sign that the government is worried about growth.

"That shows they're being proactive, but on the other hand, it also makes you wonder, what's the data is really like?" said Uri Landesman, president of Platinum Partners. "I'm wondering how bad the data's going to be. I'd be very surprised if it's good."

China is a key U.S. trade partner so its growth is important to U.S. companies. Its importance is magnified by the possibility that Europe's economy will go from slow growth to shrinkage, Landesman said.

Major European markets fell, although their declines were smaller after the U.S. inventory news came out. France's benchmark index lost 0.6 percent, Britain's and Germany's each dropped 0.2 percent.


Lightning strike on Monson Road in Wilbraham results in power outage

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Customers were without power in Monson, Hampden and Wilbraham.

WILBRAHAM — A lightning strike on Monson Road early Friday evening resulted in a power outage which affected residents of Monson, Hampden and Wilbraham.

A spokesman for National Grid said crews were in the area trying to correct the problem. She said the power outage should be brief.

There were 70 customers without power in Monson, 70 customers without power in Hampden and 380 customers without power in Wilbraham.

Longmeadow High School Class of 2012 honors memory of fellow student George Ginopoulos during graduation

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It's been a long time since I've seen a class rally together and support a family the way this group did," Principal Lawrence Berte said.

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LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow High School graduating class was missing one of their own Friday, but they made sure his memory was honored.

“This is a class that dealt with a great loss, but handled it with compassion and kindness,” said Principal Lawrence Berte.

The school held its commencement ceremony at Symphony Hall and the 255 graduates made sure to honor the memory of George Ginopoulos, a senior who died suddenly in January.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a class rally together and support a family the way this group did,” Berte said.

Students organized an impromptu vigil in Ginopoulos’ honor in which 400 people came together to talk about the young man and his impact on the school. The class also organized a volleyball tournament with funds going toward a scholarship in Ginopoulos’ name.

The school does not choose a valedictorian and salutatorian; instead it has several musical performances and speeches given by standout students.

Class president Adam Schmuter spoke about the many natural disasters the class endured, including the tornado, the earthquake and the apocalyptic October snowstorms.

Schmuter joked that the only thing that could keep them from graduation was a spontaneous volcanic eruption on Mt. Tom.

Schmuter, who will attend the University of Rhode Island and study film and media, told fellow graduates that success isn’t everything.

“Success alone can make you rich, but success with compassion will make you worthy,” he said.

The school also honored six longtime teachers who retired this year. With a class theme of "What’s in a name?” Berte challenged students to make their names count.

“Being a person of quality is what really matters,” he said. “ Be tolerant, be strong be caring and try to make your actions count.”

Chicopee Comprehensive High School Class of 2012 praised for going above and beyond to help community

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About 80 percent of the graduates have reported plans to attend college.

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CHICOPEE – One of the largest classes in the history of Chicopee Comprehensive High School graduated Friday with 277 students earning diplomas.

“They left our school a much better place than they found it,” Principal Derek J. Morrison said.

He praised the class for going above and beyond to help the community. Students from the Class of 2012 raised more money and food than most for Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen and members also helped out the community in many other ways.

“They have gone through their own levels of tragedy and they have handled it very well,” he said.

The main speakers at the graduation were valedictorian Kate Daborowski and salutatorian Victoria Ramos. Class President Kara Lacoste also addressed the crowd.

“I just want to tell everyone whatever they do they should try to do their best,” Ramos said. She said she was a little surprised this year to learn she was one of the top students in the class. “I’ve always put my effort into school. I got there without even thinking about it,” Ramos said.

Morrison and Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. also spoke to students.

Daborowski is planning to attend the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Ramos said she will attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut and study neuroscience.

About 80 percent of the class has reported plans to attend college next year. Others have started the process to enlist in the military, and some will leave for work.

Cape Cod bear can keep wandering, Massachusetts wildlife officials decide

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Division of Fisheries and Wildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson says officials changed their strategy because the animal hasn't gotten into trouble.

2012 cape cod bear carving.JPGA sign hangs around the neck of a wooden bear at the entrance to the Old Village Store, in West Barnstable. A 200-pound black bear is capturing the imagination of Massachusetts residents as it meanders across Cape Cod after officials believe it swam over from the mainland. (AP Photo/Cape Cod Times, Steve Heaslip)

PROVINCETOWN — Massachusetts wildlife officials have called off a plan to try to trap a black bear that's been wandering around Cape Cod.

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife spokeswoman Marion Larson says officials changed their strategy Friday because the animal hasn't gotten into trouble.

She says officials "were probably over-thinking it" when coming up with the idea of capturing the bear, thought to be a male around three years old.

Larson says the mere presence of a bear doesn't constitute a public safety threat.

The animal got to the Cape on Memorial Day weekend, before making its way out to its tip this week. Scientists believe it swam from the mainland.

State officials believe it's the first time in history a black bear has been on the Cape.

Slain Springfield police officer Kevin Ambrose -- Badge No. 7 -- honored by thousands at funeral

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"He gave his life for a woman and a child who needed his protection. This will be his legacy," Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet said in his eulogy. Watch video

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Updates stories published Friday at 7:22 a.m., 11:01 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.


SPRINGFIELD — Badge No. 7 was honored well.

A vast border of uniformed police lined the procession to slain officer Kevin Ambrose’s funeral Mass and burial Friday, while thousands of members of the public standing along the route waved flags and wiped away tears.

Ambrose’s police cruiser, driven by fellow officer and longtime friend Kevin Burnham, was at the head of the procession from funeral home to church. Inside the church, an arrangement of green carnations in the shape of his badge No. 7 was displayed at the altar. A spokesman for the Springfield Police Department said 6,000 out-of-town police officers came from as far as Canada to pay their respects.

All raised fingers to brows in salute as the hearse rolled up to St. Catherine of Siena Church on Parker Street, the center of the outpouring of public support for Ambrose, killed in the line of duty answering a routine 911 call for a domestic dispute on Monday.

Police say New York City corrections officer Shawn Bryan fatally shot Ambrose as he accompanied Bryan to his estranged girlfriend’s apartment to retrieve a television. Bryan also shot his ex-girlfriend, Charlene Mitchell, as the couple’s 1-year-old daughter watched.

Bryan fatally shot himself a short time after he killed Ambrose. The child was unharmed and Mitchell is in stable condition at a Worcester hospital recovering from multiple bullet wounds, according to police.

Two of Mitchell’s cousins were among the mourners who lined the streets outside, holding a picture of their wounded relative and her two children. The women credited Ambrose with saving the lives of Mitchell and the child.

Ambrose’s widow, Carla, blew the women a kiss through the window as the family car proceeded to the burial.

During the Mass, Ambrose, 55, was recalled as a hero, a devoted cop and family man, and the best opposite-field hitter in the policeman’s softball league. Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet delivered one of two moving eulogies, telling mourners Ambrose, a 36-year-veteran, was at once courageous and compassionate.

“One of his greatest qualities was that he was tough but never mean. He died helping people that he didn’t know. He gave his life for a woman and a child who needed his protection,” Fitchet said. “This will be his legacy. Years from now men and women that we don’t yet know will speak of him with reverence.”

Raymond Muise, a retired police officer, longtime friend and former partner of Ambrose, inspired tears, laughter and applause with his tribute.

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“As I put pen to paper for this ... I realized I cannot share 99 percent of my stories about my buddy,” Muise said, prompting laughter, before painting a picture of himself and Ambrose as rookie cops in a three-man car in the 1970s.

“We were so young ... We worked in a high-crime area and we weren’t afraid of anything,” Muise said.

He recalled walking in a funeral march in 1985 for slain officers Alain Beauregard and Michael Schiavina – previously the most recent Springfield officers to be killed in the line of duty.

“We went through a series of ‘what ifs?’ What if it was one of us. We talked about it but we never thought it could happen to us because we thought we were invincible,” the former officer said, before choking up. “If it did, we never wanted anyone to cry for us. But I have to confess, I broke that rule.”

The Most Rev. Timothy J. McDonnell, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, blessed the casket as mourners emerged from the church.

Outside the church, many of the officers standing in formation said Ambrose’s slaying made them pause to think about their own mortality.

“You don’t have to be a police officer very long to realize it’s a very special way to make a living. One of the things we do is to put ourselves deliberately in harm’s way to protect others. All of the cops here know this could happen to us,” said Sgt. John B. Kliever, a 14-year veteran of the Newport, R.I., Police Department.

It took 15 minutes for the funeral procession to leave Sampson’s Chapel of the Acres funeral home on Tinkham Road. Many nearby residents came out of their homes to raise flags in tribute, including Darlene and Dottie Buoniconti.

“He protected our neighborhood ... He was a good man,” Dottie Buoniconti said. “With so much stuff going on in this city, it’s nice to see this (support). I hope more people come out.”

Buoniconti needn’t have worried. Thousands of bystanders, old and young, lined Parker Street.

Xavier Davis, 3, and wearing a tiny toy police hat, came from his Sixteen Acres home with his mother to join the throngs.

“He has wanted to be a police officer since he could watch television,” Sarah Davis said. “We told him that the police officer got hurt, and that he should wear his hat to say thank you.”

Also attending the funeral Mass were Gov. Deval L. Patrick, U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who wore white gloves along with all the police mourners.

Springfield police spokesman Sgt. John M. Delaney said 300 city officers attended the funeral, along with 100 retired officers, including past police chiefs Paula Meara and Daniel Spellacy, plus 100 of the department’s civilian workers. All marched from the funeral home to the church and joined the larger procession that traveled on foot to the cemetery. A large American flag hung suspended from two Fire Department ladder trucks near the entrance.

At the end of the funeral ceremony, city officers placed white gloves on the casket.

Parker Street was closed at 9:30 a.m. and side streets were blocked.

Following the burial, Spirit of Springfield hosted an outdoor reception for all police who attended and their families at Court Square.

Among the crowd were relatives of Beauregard and Schiavina, who sat together at one table.

While that reception was going on, the Ambrose family held a private post-funeral gathering at One Financial Plaza, overlooking the cordoned-off reception below.

Late in the afternoon, Fitchet led a stream of officers into the building to present Ambrose’s Badge No. 7 to Carla Ambrose.

Those in attendance said it was a both a touching and wrenching moment.

“They were all crying. All the police officers were embracing each other,” said Judith A. Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield.

A silence fell over the room as Fitchet stepped forward to hand the badge to the widow, observers said.

“There was a feeling in there that this was a special and unique event happening,” said family friend Bill Wells, of Wilbraham. “Carla and the family were obviously very moved, and after Mr. Fitchet presented the badge, the room gave a very long and loud ovation.”

One might say the sweeping tribute to Ambrose was a long and loud ovation in itself.

During his liturgy at the Mass, Rev. Joseph Soranno, Ambrose’s pastor at his church in Wilbraham, told mourners they had gathered to pay homage to a rarity.

“Badge number seven, a fallen hero. A brave, courageous man doing his duty. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another,” the priest said.

Staff reporters Buffy Spencer, Jim Kinney, George Graham, Peter Goonan and Mike Plaisance contributed to this report

Kevin Ambrose Funeral Homily

Amherst Regional High School awards diplomas to 246 members of Class of 2012

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Solomon Rose-Goldstein and Sarah Martini shared top honors and a speech as valedictorians.

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AMHERST — In 2010, the Amherst Regional High School graduation featured a quartet of valedictorians. This year offered no record number, but it did offer a duet.

Solomon Rose-Goldstein and Sarah Martini shared top honors and a speech.

Sophia Normark was the class salutatorian.

The three were among the 246 from the school that serves Amherst, Leverett, Shutesbury and Pelham receiving diplomas at ceremonies Friday night at the Mullins Center at the University of Massachusetts.

Of the class, 212 intend to be heading off to college, but that number is likely to change, said college advisor Myra Ross, as students change their minds over the next month or two.

Goldstein-Rose said he and Martini understood they would be co-valedictorians earlier as they realized they shared 4.0 grade point average. At first they were worried about finding a topic.

The pair met and talked, and then the writing came easily. “It starts and ends funny,” he said.

And the funny start meant a quote from Mark Twain: “All you need is ignorance and confidence and the success is sure.”

But the middle was serious as they addressed the challenges they have faced to graduate.

“We’ve got problems in the world. Each of us is responsible for standing up against any wrongs we see. Our society relies on different opinions. Democracy relies on disagreement,” he said.

Westfield High School graduates 359 under threatening skies

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Rain ended just in time for seniors to march onto Bullens field and receive their diplomas.

WHS Grad 1.jpgStorm clouds move in on Billy Bullens field in Westfield Friday dropping a quick downpour on graduates, school officials and guests during the Westfield High School's graduation ceremony

WESTFIELD – A late day shower and threatening skies failed to stop the graduation of 359 seniors at Westfield High School Friday night.

The rain stopped just minutes before the 7 p.m. start at Bullens Field, allowing principal Raymond K. Broderick to offer a “dry welcome” to the hundreds of parents, grandparents, teachers and friends of the graduating class .

Catherine Levesque, retired science supervisor, called the Class of 2012 “exceptional, outstanding students who insisted” that everyone succeed in every class assignment. “Challenges are many for young adults but you are ready. I wish you courage, strength and wisdom,” the commencement speaker said.

Valedictorian Brittany J. Stefano, who has set her sights on Boston College and a major in accounting and finance, referenced the class song ‘Tattoos on this Town’ in her address to graduates. “Minutes from now, when you receive your diploma, I want you to view it as your ticket to go out and tattoo the world. But, no matter what happens, never, ever cover up the mark that Westfield originally tattooed on you,” she said.

Salutatorian Bridget E. Lewis, who will attend Hamilton College in New York majoring in biology, characterized herself as an “optimist”, knowing her classmates will become doctors, lawyers, scientists and engineers, even the future president. “I know that we are going to change the world. I know the future will be great because we were built for greatness.”

Class president Lena S. Barouxis’ advice to classmates was “cherish what you have and take advantage of all that is offered. Do not shy away from opportunities.”

Of the 359 graduates, school officials said at least 86 percent will attend two or four year colleges.


Former Montague administrator Deborah Radway takes job as Amherst personnel manager

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Radway has been working for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development managing the Franklin Hampshire Career Center since 2005

DRadway420.jpgDeborah B. Radway

AMHERST - The former Montague town administrator has been hired as Amherst’s human resources and human rights director.

Deborah B. Radway will begin July 16 and replaces Eunice Torres, who retired in March. Kay Zlogar, the employee benefits trust manager, will continue as interim human resources director until then, Town Manager John P. Musante said.

Musante said he was thrilled to be able to hire Radway because of her experience in the public and private sector. “She comes on with a breadth of experience,” he said. He called the position critically important for the town.

Radway, of Montague, has been working for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development managing the Franklin Hampshire Career Center since 2005. Previously, she served as Montague town administrator and as personnel director/assistant town manager in Lexington.

Radway will earn $79,112.

Gateway Regional High School graduation pays tribute to Emily Savery

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Savery, who was killed in a car crash in February, would have been in the graduating class.

ctgatewayThe family of Emily J. Savery, the 18-year-old killed in a Feb. 17 car crash in Westfield, is posthumously awarded her diploma Friday at the Gateway Regional High School graduation. From left are, Savery's father, Skip, her sister, Jill and her mother Ann.

HUNTINGTON – In a solemn moment during the Gateway Regional High School graduation ceremony, the family of Emily J. Savery, the 18-year-old killed in a February car crash who was to have sat among her peers Friday, was posthumously awarded her diploma.

Following the conferring of diplomas upon the 72 graduates as they sat under sometimes threatening skies on Booster Field at the Gateway schools complex, a 73rd diploma in the name of Emily J. Savery awaited the teen’s family, which climbed the steps to the stage and received heartfelt embraces from retiring Principal Laurie A. Marvel and Schools Superintendent David B. Hopson.

In an emotional and tear-filled speech, Ann Savery, Emily’s mother, told the graduates the ceremony was one to which her daughter had been looking forward and worked diligently toward her goal when she lost her life on Feb. 17 in the Westfield car crash.

As a tribute to her daughter, the bulk of Savery’s speech was comprised of a poem Emily had written, bringing her spirit to life at the ceremony where just beyond the field in the parking lot friends made sure to include her in the celebration by bringing Emily’s car to the graduation and decorating it with flowers, pictures and messages.

In addition to school officials, standing behind Ann Savery as she spoke at the podium on the stage were Emily’s father, Skip, and her sister, Jill A. Savery, both of whom clasped hands tightly with tears in their eyes as they fought to retain their composure.

Despite the somber tribute and the pain of losing a classmate among the tight-knit Gateway family, students who gave speeches nonetheless recalled the moments of frustration, stress and joy they experienced during their time at the high school.

Valedictorian Chelsea A. Merritt and salutatorian Calvin Carrington credited their teachers for helping them on their way to success.

Merritt, who will attend Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she will major in pre-med studies, served as president of the student council and was a varsity soccer player.

Carrington, who will attend Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, N.Y., where he will major in biotechnology, was also awarded the Golden Achievement Award.

The award recognizes a student with high academic standing and outstanding character who is an active member of their community. Carrington was a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the varsity cross country team.

During an awards ceremony Wednesday, Superintendent of Schools David Hopson told students to measure success, not in material possessions, but in the difference they make in the world.

“Each of you has the ability, means and talent to be successful in the future,” he said.

After regaining her own composure following the emotional tribute to Savery, Marvel congratulated the Class of 2012 on its members’ achievements, and concluded her comments by quoting from the Green Day lyrics, “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end its right, I hope you had the time of your life.”

Hampshire Regional High class of 2012 full of students who cared

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“Make the most of your high school experience, because it really does go by so quickly.”

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NORTHAMPTON – Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton handed out diplomas to 139 graduating seniors Friday night at John M. Greene Hall on the Smith College campus.

Principal Laurie Hodgdon, who offered welcoming remarks, has just completed her first year as head of Hampshire Regional.

Hodgdon said that if she could encapsulate the class of 2012 in one word, that word is “caring.”

Her graduating seniors performed acts of caring both outside their learning community and inside it, she said.

An example of that spirit is Victoria Cooley, of Southampton, who is valedictorian this year. Cooley tutored two girls who came to the school from Colombia. They were not fluent in English, so Cooley helped them translate class material into Spanish.

Both Cooley and the class salutatorian, Katherine McKemmie of Easthampton, addressed the graduating seniors.

“I’ve never had a class that got along so well together as family,” said Hodgdon. Her message to them: “Be the change that you seek in the world.”

Graduating senior Devin McNulty sang the National Anthem, and alumnus Seth Clark played the organ.

Seven of the students from the class of 2012 will be entering the military, while 87 percent will be going on to college.

Cooley, who will enter Springfield College in the fall, said leaving the school is “bittersweet,” but she is excited about the opportunities ahead.

Her advice to students : “Make the most of your high school experience, because it really does go by so quickly.”

Easthampton High School holds last graduation ceremony before moving to new building

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Diplomas were handed to 103 graduating seniors in the outdoor ceremony.

Easthampton graduation 6812.jpgThe Easthampton High School graduates participate in the first outdoors graduation Friday since 1985.

EASTHAMPTON – Friday night’s graduation ceremony at Easthampton High School will be the last at the half-century-old building. The new Easthampton High is scheduled to open in 2013.

Diplomas were handed to 103 graduating seniors in the outdoor ceremony.

Valedictorian of the class was Elizabeth Burdeau. Salutatorian was Hannah Jones. Tyler Connelly played the National Anthem on the saxophone.

The commencement speaker was Terrence McCarthy, an author and commentator on National Public Radio who lives in North Carolina. He is also a 1965 graduate of Easthampton High.

He told a few jokes (this class has Jersey Shore, his class had Dinah Shore; hip hop, sock hop; Lady Gaga, Lady Zsa Zsa), and then he held the audience transfixed with his gentle voice.

He told the graduates how his parents worked in the mills of Easthampton. He said he remembered the names of all his teachers, especially the English teachers.

He tried college twice and failed, joined the Air Force, graduated cum laude from UMass, became a reporter, an ad man, a writer.

“Failure is like curiosity in a way. Failure can open doors for you,” he said.

He said he was touched by the way Easthampton was reinventing itself now that the mills are gone.

“Grow up, but don’t grow out of your dreams,” McCarthy told the class.

In another part of the ceremony, an honorary diploma was given in memory of Michael (“Mikey”) Gangne, who died of cancer at age 10 and would have graduated this year.

Graduating senior Casey White wept as he presented the honor to Mikey’s parents.

Of the graduates, 79 percent are going on to college, with others entering the military, going for certifications, or entering the workforce directly. Of the last, many have been through Easthampton’s Career and Technical Education program.

2 plead not guilty in Massachusetts extortion attempt case

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Winter, who headed the Winter Hill Gang in the 1960s and '70s, wore large black sunglasses during his arraignment in Somerville District Court. He and Melvin stood silently as a prosecutor described a series of meetings and phone calls in which the two men allegedly threatened the men and repeatedly referred to the North End neighborhood of Boston in an apparent attempt to intimidate the men through a thinly veiled reference to organized crime.

Extortion ArrestsHoward "Howie" Winter, left and James Melvin talk after their arraignment at Somerville District Court on Friday, June 8, 2012 in Somerville, Mass. Winter, 83, and Melvin, 70, were arrested Thursday after authorities said they tried over several months to extort $35,000 from each of two men who had arranged a $100,000 loan for a third man. Both men pleaded not guilty to attempted extortion and conspiracy charges. Winter is the former head of the Winter Hill Gang, that was later run by James "Whitey" Bulger. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Jonathan Wiggs, Pool)

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — Howie Winter, the 83-year-old former head of a Boston-area gang that was later run by James "Whitey" Bulger, pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted extortion and conspiracy charges.

Winter and co-defendant James Melvin, 70, were arrested Thursday after authorities said they tried over several months to extort $35,000 from each of two men who had arranged a $100,000 loan for a third man.

Assistant District Attorney Stephen Gilpatric said some of the meetings were secretly recorded. In the recordings, Winter and Melvin can be heard threatening the men if they don't pay the money, Gilpatric said.

"You're gonna have some problems if you don't come up with money," Winter allegedly said during one of the meetings.

Winter also expressed disbelief when one of the men told him he didn't know who he was during a meeting in March at the Sons of Italy in Medford.

"There's no one in the (expletive) country that don't know who I am," he responded, Gilpatric said.

Lawyers for Winter and Melvin disputed the prosecutor's account, saying they actually were trying to help a lawyer who was being extorted by the two men prosecutors say were the victims. Neither would identify the lawyer who Winter and Melvin claimed to be helping.

Prosecutors said that a man who needed money to fund a business venture contacted one of the victims to ask about getting a loan. The victim agreed and contacted the second victim, who agreed to loan the man $100,000.

In January, the man allegedly stopped making payments on the loan to the victims. Beginning in February, the victims began receiving phone calls from an unknown man who asked to meet to talk about the money owed to them by the third man.

During an initial meeting, one of the victims met with Winter and Melvin to discuss the third party's outstanding debt. During that meeting, Winter told the victim that he and the other victim were expected to pay $35,000 each to Winter for loaning the third party the money without consent or permission, prosecutors said.

Gilpatric said the two victims contacted law enforcement authorities because they believed that their lives and the lives of their families were in danger.

Over the next few weeks, state police gave cash to the two alleged victims to give to Winter and Melvin to make installment payments on the $35,000 they each were ordered to pay. Winter and Melvin then demanded that each victim pay them $5,000 per month, Gilpatric said.

Judge Neil Walker ordered Winter and Melvin held on $25,000 cash bail, an amount their lawyers said they will likely be able to raise. Gilpatric had asked for $100,000 cash bail, citing both men's long criminal records. If they do post bail, both men will be confined to their homes wearing electronic monitoring bracelets.

Winter led the notorious Irish gang in the 1960s and '70s. Gilpatric described him as a "well-known member of organized crime" and said he had been convicted in the 1970s for conspiracy and racketeering. In 1993, he was sentenced to 10 years in federal court on a conspiracy charge. Gilpatric said Melvin had served a significant amount of time in state and federal prisons for firearms violations and assault and battery. In 1991, he was convicted of conspiracy in a bank robbery and sentenced to five years.

Bulger replaced Winter as leader of the gang after Winter was indicted in a horse race-fixing scheme. Bulger, now 82, is currently awaiting trial for allegedly participating in 19 murders.

Melvin and Winter are due back in court on July 26 for a probable cause hearing.

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