Delays to all trains in and out of Penn Station complicated the Thanksgiving plans for thousands of Thanksgiving travelers.

The scheduling board at New York's Penn Station says it all. Switching problems shut down all train travel to and from the terminal Wednesday night. Photo by Drake Martinet, via Twitter.

News out of New York has Penn Station shut down Wednesday night due to what is being called a switching problem and no trains are able to arrive or depart from the terminal.

The malfunction comes on one of the business nights of the year for traveling and thousands of Thanksgiving commuters are finding their plans for the holiday put on immediate hold.

Several thousands of people are packed into New York's Penn Station. Switching malfunctions stopped all trains to and from the station, standing thousands of travelers Wednesday night Photo by Ashley Marand, via Twitter

He also said "I have no way to know how long it’s going to take” to clear things up.

On Twitter, Amtrak issued a statement at 6:50 p.m. that that all runs to and from New York would be delayed by 60 to 90 minutes due to a commercial power failure.

The delay would appear to affect three trains involving Springfield. Two are due to arrive at Penn Station at 8:50 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. Wednesday night, while another from New York is scheduled to arrive at the Amtrak terminal on Lyman Street in Springfield at 10:10 p.m.

WNBC 4 New York is reported that police were not allowing anyone else to enter Penn Station out of concern for overcrowding.

Dozens of pictures posted on Twitter by people caught in the middle of it all show the terminal packed nearly wall to wall with travelers.

"In honor of the busiest travel day of the year, Penn Station decided to indefinitely delay all trains," tweeted Christina Morelli (@the CEOartist).

"Penn Station is a nightmare tonight with delays. It's like a real-life 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,'" tweeted Jim Norton (@JimNorton)

Kerry spokeswoman Jodi Seth said later that the activists are “preaching to the converted,” and that Kerry wrote the Senate’s first global AIDS bill.

Robert Folan-Johnson, foreground left, sits at a symbolic Thanksgiving Day table during an ACT UP protest outside the Beacon Hill residence of Sen. John Kerry Wednesday in Boston. Associated Press / Michael Dwyer

BOSTON – Activists set up a mock Thanksgiving meal outside Sen. John Kerry’s home in Boston to protest the possible inclusion of cuts to AIDS funding during “fiscal cliff” negotiations.

The fiscal cliff is a package of tax increases and government spending cuts that will take effect Jan. 1 unless Congress and the Obama administration reach a deal first.

About 20 members of the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, or ACT UP, arranged a table and chairs outside Kerry’s Louisburg Square residence Wednesday. They put pill bottles on plates instead of food, saying they want Kerry to fight to fully fund AIDS programs during the negotiations.

The group got curious glances from neighbors and nearby utility workers while chanting refrains such as “Fund health and not defense,” and holding signs including one that said: “Don’t be a turkey ... End AIDS.”

No one came out of the senator’s house, but protesters said they’ve been in touch with Kerry’s office and hope to have a face-to-face meeting with him soon.

“We have reason to believe he’s on our side but we’re hoping to see action and leadership. ... Action that would mean lives saved,” said Marguerite Basilico, a Harvard Medical School student.

Kerry spokeswoman Jodi Seth said later that the activists are “preaching to the converted,” and that Kerry wrote the Senate’s first global AIDS bill.

She said the senator wouldn’t balance the budget on the backs of AIDS patients, and that he is fighting to raise tax revenue from the wealthiest Americans.

Doyle has appeared in seven games in 2012, but has yet to see action with the game on the line.

Quarterback A.J. Doyle will get the start for UMass on Friday. Photo Courtesy of UMass Athletics

AMHERST – The first step for A.J. Doyle will be not vomiting.

Thrust into duty because of an ankle injury to Catholic Memorial’s senior starting quarterback four years ago, Doyle – then a freshman in high school – was on his way to school the day of his first high school game when he asked his dad to pull the car over.

“I opened the door and threw up right there,” Doyle recalled.

The University of Massachusetts freshman hopes to avoid that Friday when he gets the start in the Minutemen’s season finale against Central Michigan.

“People were asking me when they saw me getting reps with the ones, how you feeling? I said, ask me Friday morning when I’m throwing up,” Doyle said. “I hope I’m not like that, but there’s always a possibility.”

Coach Charley Molnar announced Wednesday that he is going with Doyle over redshirt freshman Mike Wegzyn, who started the first 11 games for UMass. Molnar said he and his staff decided over the bye week that Wegzyn would start the Akron game, and that he would continue to do so only as long as the Minutemen kept winning.

After last week’s loss to Buffalo, it was Doyle’s turn.

The decision was made more because of Doyle’s progression than any sort of failure by Wegzyn.

“He started to really learn the nuances and really closed a lot of ground on Mike from that standpoint. We feel comfortable with A.J. out there,” Molnar said. “At the beginning, A.J. grasped the basic offense. Since the bye week, I think A.J. in practice ... he started to really learn the nuances and really closed a lot of ground on Mike from that standpoint.”

Doyle had originally committed to North Carolina State to play linebacker, but after consulting with his high school coach Alex Campea, and his parents, he decided to re-open his recruitment as a quarterback.

“I told him, ‘You should do what you heart and head tell you,’” Campea said. “(With UMass), the pieces just fell into place.”

Doyle had met Molnar at a quarterback camp at Notre Dame, and the two had an instant connection that led to Doyle being Molnar’s first call after being hired by UMass.

“He was absolutely determined to earn a scholarship. That really stuck with me,” Molnar said of Doyle at the camp. “He was the very first phone call I made to a recruit, and the very first home visit, and our very first commit.”

Doyle has played plenty in mop-up duty for the Minutemen thus far, appearing in seven games, but has struggled at times, throwing for 166 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions on 26-for-53 passing.

Molnar, though, wants to see how Doyle handles the team before the game has already been decided.

“What kind of leader is he when the game is on the line? I’m really interested to see that,” Molnar said. “Just being able to handle the pressure. Starting the game with 0-0, where the ball is in his court, how he takes the team, how he responds to perhaps a bad series or a bad series or two, how he manages, how he acts on the sidelines.”

Now he’ll get that chance, along with the added responsibility of a final game.

“It’s just an added incentive to send those seniors off with a win,” Doyle said. “And also for the future teams to set us on the right foot, to get us going in the right direction for the spring and summer next year.”

Molnar has maintained that there has been open competition for the quarterback job, and indicated Wednesday that would continue.

“This is going to be an open competition between these two and whoever else joins the fray over the next four years,” Molnar said. “To get a better evaluation of A.J. pushing forward into the future, we felt that we needed to get a chance to see him a starter.”

The Minutemen and Chippewas kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday at Gillette Stadium.

HEALTH UPDATES: Offensive lineman Anthony Dima (upper body) was a full go in practice and will play Saturday ... wide receiver Marken Michel (leg) will not start, but is likely to play ... wide receiver Tajae Sharpe (upper body) will not play ... offensive lineman Jamie Casselberry (concussion) will play.

Bieber, 18, was leaving the theater in suburban Calabasas with girlfriend Selena Gomez on May 27 when he had the encounter in a parking lot.

This June 11 file photo shows Justin Bieber before a news conference in Mexico City. Los Angeles prosecutors have declined to file a misdemeanor battery charge against Bieber related to a May scuffle with a paparazzo in Calabasas, Calif., citing a lack of evidence to corroborate the photographer’s claims that the pop star kicked and hit him. AP File Photo

LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors decided not to file any charges against Justin Bieber after investigators found no evidence that the pop star had kicked and punched a photographer after leaving a movie theater last month, a document obtained Wednesday states.

Prosecutors had been asked by police to consider filing a misdemeanor battery charge against Bieber, but Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators found no visible injuries, video or photographs to confirm the allegations by the photographer.

Bieber, 18, was leaving the theater in suburban Calabasas with girlfriend Selena Gomez on May 27 when he had the encounter in a parking lot.

A doctor found only superficial injuries, and deputies observed no injuries on the man after the incident, the document states.

Authorities interviewed several witnesses but none reported seeing Bieber kick the man, and they noted that the photographer kept taking photos as the two singers left the location, according to the charge evaluation worksheet prepared by the district attorney's office.

"All the photos and video taken during this incident by the many photographers were obtained and reviewed," the document states. "There are no photos of a physical altercation."

The case was rejected on Oct. 22 and first reported Wednesday by celebrity website TMZ.

U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said her initial accounts of the attacks were based on early intelligence reports.

FILE - This June 7, 2012 file photo shows U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice listening during a news conference at the UN. Republican senators' angry criticism of Rice over her initial account of the deadly Sept. 11 attack in Libya smacks of sexism and racism, a dozen female members of the House said Friday. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) The Associated Press

PETER JAMES SPIELMANN

UNITED NATIONS — U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice said Wednesdays that her early account of the attack that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other Americans in Benghazi was based on the initial intelligence community assessments and was always subject to review and updates.

She said she respects Republican Sen. John McCain, who has been critical of her, but says "some of the statements he's made about me have been unfounded, but I look forward to having the opportunity at the appropriate time to discuss all of this with him."

Her comments attributing the attacks to a mob enraged over an anti-Muslim video posted on YouTube were widely denounced by Republicans during the U.S. presidential campaign. The attack came on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on the United States, and her critics said it was clearly a terrorist attack aimed at the anniversary. U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed.

The focus has fallen on Rice because she is a longtime White House insider and is believed to be President Barack Obama's first choice to replace Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is not expected to stay on during his second term.

Rice told reporters outside the U.N. Security Council, "As a senior U.S. diplomat, I agreed to a White House request to appear on the Sunday shows to talk about the full range of national security issues of the day, which at that time were primarily and particularly the protests that were enveloping and threatening many diplomatic facilities, American diplomatic facilities around the world, and Iran's nuclear program."

Hours before the Benghazi violence, a mob in Cairo attacked the U.S. Embassy there to denounce the videos as anti-Islamic blasphemy.

"The attack on our facilities in Benghazi was obviously a significant piece of this" pattern, Rice said.

"When discussing the attack against our facilities in Benghazi, I relied solely and squarely on the information provided to me by the intelligence community," she said.

"I made clear that the information was preliminary, and that our investigations would give us the definitive answers," she added.

"Everyone, particularly the intelligence community, has worked in good faith to provide the best assessment based on the information available."

"You know the FBI and the State Department's Accountability Review Board are conducting investigations as we speak. And they will look into all aspects of this heinous terrorist attack, to provide what will become the definitive accounting of what occurred," she said.

"Let me just end by saying I knew Chris Stevens. I worked closely with him and had the privilege of doing so as we tried together, as a government, to free the Libyan people from the tyranny of Gadhafi. He was a valued colleague, and his loss, as well as the loss of his three colleagues, is a massive tragedy for all of us who serve in the U.S. government, and for all the American people," Rice said.

"None of us will rest, none of us will be satisfied until we have the answers, and the terrorists responsible for this attack are brought to justice," she said.

Edward "Ted" Malvey, 65, of Sturbridge, will serve as Monson's school superintendent for at least the next 6 months, according to School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Lord.

Edward Malvey

MONSON — The School Committee interviewed half a dozen finalists for interim superintendent this week, but one candidate seemed to have all the right credentials.

Edward Malvey

Edward M. Malvey, 65, of Sturbridge, a lifelong educator who most recently ran the 7,000-student Weymouth School District, has been tapped to be Monson's school chief for at least the next six months, according to School Committee Chairman Jeffrey D. Lord.

"He was on everybody's list," Lord said of Malvey, who goes by "Ted."

Malvey, an educator for more than 40 years, has served as a superintendent, interim superintendent, principal and ranking administrator in various public school districts in Massachusetts and Connecticut throughout his long career.

"He has a wealth of experience. Ted has extensive interim superintendent experience, as well as superintendent experience," Lord said.

For the past several years, the semi-retired Malvey has been acting as a sort of relief pitcher for school districts as they search for permanent superintendents. And it's a role he enjoys playing, he said.

"I'm delighted. I'm very pleased the committee went forward," Malvey said Wednesday, adding that he's already done five of "these post-formal career" tours of duty.

Prior to working a six-month stint in Weymouth this year, from April through September, Malvey was an interim superintendent in Oxford, Conn., and Warren, the latter of which involved overseeing the Quaboag Regional School District from July 2007 to February 2009.

Malvey, a Boston native who was raised in the city and in nearby Watertown, said he still has a "passion for education" and is looking forward to helping Monson. "What I try to do is keep people focused on the good things that are happening," he said.

The School Committee is expected to meet next week to discuss details of Malvey's salary and start date, which have yet to be nailed down. Committee members had previously expressed a desire to fill the superintendent position on a permanent basis before the start of the 2013-2014 school year, but Malvey said he's willing to work beyond September 2013 if the district needs him.

Outgoing Monson Superintendent Patrice L. Dardenne is retiring from his $126,000-a-year job at the end of December.

Jeffrey Lord

Lord said the other five candidates were all very qualified for the temporary job, including Linda Carrier, director of curriculum and instruction for Monson Public Schools. "What an impressive pool of both internal and external candidates we had," Lord said.

Ultimately, though, it was Malvey's resume that moved to the top of the pile, according to the chairman. "He has a wealth of experience," Lord said.

School Committee members Lisa Jalbert and Joel Keller also supported hiring Malvey, but members Joshua Farber and Peter Sauriol said more discussion was necessary.

"This wasn't a unanimous vote, but it was a majority vote," Lord said.

The Emmy-nominated star of CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" says "relationships are complicated no matter what style of parenting you choose."

Mayim Bialik attends the world premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II" at the Nokia Theatre on Nov. 12 in Los Angeles. AP File Photo

LOS ANGELES — Mayim Bialik is splitting from her husband of nine years.

The 36-year-old actress says in a statement posted online Wednesday that she and husband Michael Stone have decided to divorce. The couple has two young sons.

Bialik recently released a book about attachment parenting, but says the philosophy that encourages forming close bonds with near-constant physical contact played no role in the couple's split.

The Emmy-nominated star of CBS' "The Big Bang Theory" says "relationships are complicated no matter what style of parenting you choose."

She says divorce is "terribly sad, painful and incomprehensible" for children and adds that the couple's sons remain their priority.

Bialik first gained fame as the star of the 1990s sitcom "Blossom." She holds a doctoral degree in neuroscience from UCLA, specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder in adolescents.

Springfield, Mass., truck driver Juan Martinez was involved in the accident. It was not immediately clear whether he would face charges.

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — State police say a Massachusetts woman was killed in a chain reaction crash on Interstate 84 east in Middlebury.

Police say 41-year-old Laurie Carvalho was killed after she slowed for traffic Tuesday afternoon and a tractor trailer rear-ended her SUV, setting off a series of collisions between four other cars.

According to a police report, another person was seriously hurt in the crash, while seven others sustained non-life threatening injuries.

It was not immediately clear Wednesday if the truck driver, Juan Martinez of Springfield, Mass., would face charges. A state police spokesman said the accident remained under investigation.

The Sox reportedly like Gomes as a platoon outfielder and clubhouse leader.

Jonny Gomes is bringing his bat and leadership abilities to the Boston Red Sox for the 2013 season. AP file

Happy Birthday, Jonny Gomes.

And a very Happy Thanksgiving.

The outfielder has every reason to be grateful after Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday night that he had reached agreement on a two-year, $10-million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Slusser said the deal would not become official until Gomes had passed a physical and all of the paperwork had been completed. The contract, she wrote, is about double what the Oakland A's had recently offered:

A number of contenders were interested in Gomes, who played a substantial role in Oakland’s terrific 2012 season. A Red Sox exec told me recently that Boston thinks highly of Gomes’ leadership abilities, along with his usefulness as a platoon outfielder.

The right-hander, who turns 32 on Thursday, hit 18 home runs in 279 at-bats for Oakland in 2012.

Ware town meeting approved borrowing $386,000 for an assortment of capital projects and rejected spending $140,000 on others.

WARE – Voters approved borrowing $386,000 for an assortment of capital projects and rejected spending $140,000 on others at Monday's Town Meeting cut short when a quorum was no longer present.

The body also restored salaries to municipal employees that were reduced at May’s annual meeting – including a controversial $6,727 for selectmen whose wages had been zeroed out.

Discussion of the salary article lasted an hour.

Criticism about pace of the meeting was voiced.

And twice the moderator was questioned about the quorum of 100.

Gregory Harder

The first quorum count, occurring more than half way through the three hour and 20 minute meeting, resulted in 98 voters present, but two citizens who had left were persuaded to return.

At 9:48 p.m. the quorum was again questioned. By then only 96 remained at the high school auditorium.

There were 6 articles remaining on the 22 article warrant when business was forced to end.

“People that are here are disgusted with the way things are going,” former selectman Jack McQuaid said.

“I understand,” Moderator Kathleen H. Coulombe said. “I am not happy either.”

Earlier McQuaid told the body, “I want to be home by Thanksgiving.”

Among the articles rejected – by a 70 to 23 vote - was $65,000 for a backup computer server.

Selectmen Chairman Gregory Harder said the administration failed to show the need for the expenditure.

The chairman and residents also expressed dismay that a cost-benefit analysis was not presented on some of the articles.

A request for $55,000 to modify the heating units at town hall was rejected.

“I am very surprised the numbers were not crunched” ahead of time, said resident Jack Cascio, who asked what the savings would be were the $55,000 invested.

Although $30,000 was approved for repairs to the slate roof at town hall, Harder said, “This is another one of those articles we have not done our homework on.”

The special town meeting will reconvene Monday, Nov. 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Ware High School Auditorium.

Among the articles scheduled for action is a divisive proposal to spend $14,000 to review town departments.

The actor publicly expressed unhappiness at working on a sitcom and feuded last year with the show's creator.

Chevy Chase of "Community." NBC

The NBC series "Community" will finish the season without Chevy Chase.

Sony Pictures Television said Wednesday that the actor is leaving the sitcom by mutual agreement with producers.

His immediate departure means he won't be included in the last episode or two of the show's 13-episode season, which is still in production.

Chase had a rocky tenure playing a bored and wealthy man who enrolls in community college. The actor publicly expressed unhappiness at working on a sitcom and feuded last year with the show's creator and former executive producer, Dan Harmon.

The fourth-season premiere of "Community" is Feb. 7, when it makes a delayed return to the 8 p.m. EST Thursday time slot. The show's ensemble cast includes Joel McHale and Donald Glover.

Massachusetts, the largest economy in the region, is responsible for about half of the New England region’s tourism output, an AAA spokeswoman said.

Fred Errington, left, and Deborah Gewertz of Amherst, Mass., wait for an Amtrak train to arrive at Union Station in Hartford, Conn., Wednesday. They planned to travel to New York City on the busiest travel day of the year to meet friends for Thanksgiving Associated Press / Dave Collins

By RODRIQUE NGOWI

BOSTON – New England residents passing through Boston for Thanksgiving said on Wednesday that they’re adjusting to traveling on tight budgets due to the slow economic recovery.

Mary Maguire, the director of public and legislative affairs at AAA Southern New England, said about 946,000 people will travel at least 50 miles in Massachusetts between Wednesday and Sunday, including 834,000 who will drive. Massachusetts, the largest economy in the region, is responsible for about half of the New England region’s tourism output, she said.

Landscape designer Anne Murphy, of Gorham, Maine, was waiting for an Amtrak train at Boston’s South Station as she and her husband, Ken, headed for Thanksgiving dinner in Gibbsboro, N.J. She said she travels smarter by searching for deals online, using cheaper airports further away from home and packing fewer bags to avoid baggage fees.

“I think we probably travel a little bit less because of costs, but we’ve definitely traveled more public transportation in order to save on gas,” she said.

Murphy, 56, said they also are more efficient during trips by seeing as many people as possible to eliminate the need for additional trips.

Angela Peters, of Somerville, said she takes a Greyhound bus to see her daughter in Philadelphia. She said a $95 roundtrip bus ticket is cheaper than the $120 she’d spend on gas to drive there, plus the extra costs for tolls and parking.

“So in these economic times you have to budget or you economize, what’s more beneficial for you – taking a flight? Driving your car? Or just spending $100 on a bus? And I think the best bet is to spend $100 on the bus,” said Peters, a mother of two. “When you get there, at least you’ll have some money for leisure time.”

Reflexologist Rosalie Cryan, of Quincy, was traveling by Amtrak train to join her son for Thanksgiving in Washington, Conn.

She said having to travel on an especially tight budget due to the slow economic recovery is becoming the “new normal” and she’s adjusting to that reality.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a tighter budget, making sure you have lunch before you leave so you don’t have to buy the expensive food in the kiosks, that sort of thing,” said Cryan, 65, who recently downsized her home of 31 years to a studio apartment. “I’m coming back on Friday rather than waiting till Sunday so I won’t be on the second-busiest travel day of the year.”

Rajon Rondo extended his streak of double-digit assist games to 35, but the Celtics fell to 6-6.

San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) drives to the hoop against Boston Celtics forward Chris Wilcox, left, and forward Jared Sullinger (7) on Wednesday. Associated Press

By KEN POWTAK
BOSTON — Tony Parker scored a season-high 26 points, Tim Duncan had 20 points and 15 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Boston Celtics 112-100 on Wednesday night.

Reserve Tiago Splitter added a season-high 23 points, many coming when the Spurs took charge late in the third and early in the fourth.

Rajon Rondo had 22 points and extended his consecutive streak of double-digit assist games to 35 with 15. Paul Pierce, who sprained his ankle in a 20-point loss at Detroit on Sunday, had 19 points.

DeJuan Blair chipped in with 12 points for the Spurs (9-3), but it was Parker winning the battle of elite point guards against Rondo that carried San Antonio.

Brandon Bass scored 16 and Kevin Garnett 14 for Boston (6-6), which managed just one offensive rebound and lost for the third time in four games.

The Spurs closed the third quarter with a 6-0 run, with Splitter getting a pair of baskets, to take an 82-74 lead.

They opened the fourth by scoring eight of the initial 10 points to open their biggest lead at that point, 90-76 on Splitter's three-point play with just under 10 minutes to play.

Splitter's two free throws increased it to 94-78 with 8:41 to go.

Boston closed the gap to nine, but the Spurs had a pair of easy driving baskets by Parker to maintain a comfortable margin.

That was until Rondo answered with a long jumper from the right corner off his own steal and a spinning bank shot, closing it to 104-98 with 3:17 left.

But that was as close as Boston would get.

Duncan had five points during a 9-0 spree that gave the Spurs a 69-60 edge midway into the third quarter. Boston then scored seven of the next nine, closing it to two on Pierce's 3 from the right wing.

Rondo was responsible either with an assist, basket or pass for all the Celtics' 23 points in the opening 8 1/2 minutes of the third quarter. He had eight assists, two baskets and fed Pierce, who got fouled in the lane before hitting two free throws.

In the quarter, the Celtics' playmaker had eight assists and two baskets — accounting for all but one of Boston's buckets — Jeff Green's drive.

Neither team held more than a four-point lead until the Spurs scored 14 of the final 20 points in the first half to take a 56-48 edge into the break. Danny Green nailed a 3-pointer in the middle of the streak, giving him 30 straight games with at least one 3, the league's longest current streak.

Notes: Boston coach Doc Rivers was asked before the game to compare the play of longtime stars Garnett, known for showing emotion, and the usually fairly stoic Duncan. "They're both extremely tough and extremely motivated. It's amazing how similar they are and how different they act." ... The contest also featured two of the league's top passing point guards in Parker and Rondo. "They're both terrific," Rivers said. "It's amazing how many good point guards there are in the league right now and you have to prepare for every one differently. It's a good time in the league now for that position." ... The Spurs won the only meeting last season — 87-86 when Pierce missed a shot at the buzzer on an isolation over Duncan. ... San Antonio played the first of a six-game road trip, which closes next Thursday in Miami.

MGM Springfield contributed to Bright Nights this year.

SPRINGFIELD - As the region prepared for Thanksgiving, Mayor Domenic Sarno Wednesday flipped the switch for the ceremonial lighting of the 18th Bright Nights at Forest Park celebration.

This year’s display is called “Happy Holidays, Springfield.”

Sarno and his family were joined by Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray and his family, Maj. Gen. Scott Rice, Massachusetts National Guard Acting Adjutant General, and Spirit of Springfield Chairman Daniel Walsh and President Judith Matt.

Also participating in this year’s celebration was Kelly Tucky, vice president of public affairs for MGM Springfield, which is looking to develop a casino in the city’s South End. MGM Springfield this year has contributed $25,000 to help with the conversion to energy efficient LED lights.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of the tradition,” Tucky said.

The cost to attend Bright Nights is $18 per car Monday through Thursday and $21 per car on weekends and holidays. Buses with seating for 17 to 30 people are charged $70 and larger buses are charged $150.

Initially, Bright Nights will run Wednesdays through Sunday through Dec. 2. On Dec. 5, it will run nightly through Jan. 1.

Gates open each night at 5 p.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m. on weeknights and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays and holiday nights.

On Wednesday state police reported that traffic was flowing smoothly on the busiest travel day of the year.

“So far so good,” said Trooper Christine Albano, who is attached to the Springfield barracks.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reported a backup on Wednesday morning in the westbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Sturbridge.

AAA projected that 43.6 million Americans would journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period which runs through Sunday. That’s an increase of 0.7 percent from the 43.3 million who traveled last year.

Ninety percent of travelers, or 39.1 million were predicted to travel by automobile, an increase of 0.6 percent.

Continued dry weather was predicted for Thanksgiving, with sunny skies and high temperatures topping 50 by Thanksgiving Day. Friday also is expected to be sunny with high temperatures near 50.

A cold front is expected after Thanksgiving, with the weather turning blustery by Saturday night. Temperatures were expected to be much cooler on Sunday.

Restaurants were expecting crowds on Thanksgiving, a popular holiday for dining out.

At the Student Prince in Springfield, 550 people have reservations during the 5 1/2 hours the restaurant is open, said manager Rudi R. Scherff.

About half order turkey on Thanksgiving, while the rest opt for scrod, prime rib or other entrees, Scherff said.

The Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield also was expecting a full house, including a bus load of Japanese tourists and a New York City area family displaced by Hurricane Sandy, said Heather Salem, whose family owns the restaurant.

Theodore’s in Springfield was prepared for one of its busiest holiday weekends. Co-owner Keith Weppler said the crowd that converges on the Worthington Street restaurant and bar includes college students home for the holiday and informal high school reunions for older patrons.

In Agawam, Chez Josef offered to-go Thanksgiving meals for people who wanted to celebrate the holiday at home without the cooking.

Friday the Parade of Big Balloons will begin at 11 a.m. at Tower Square sponsored by Tower Square and the Spirit of Springfield. The parade is on Main Street from Lyman Street to Locust Street.

This year’s Helium Giants include the Cat in the Hat. There will be a parade commentary at Main and Bridge Streets.

There will be an open house at Tower Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. along with the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s Festival of Trees.

From the Parade of Big Balloons to First Night, there is no shortage of fun activities.

First Night Northampton The Republican/ Michael Beswick

With the exception of a hurricane, the weather here in Western Massachusetts has been pretty mild, so it’s almost hard to believe the winter holidays are bearing down on us,

But they’re coming, like it or not, and with them, a whole panoply of events and activities for the entire family. While it would take a lot more space than we have here to list them all, let’s look at some of the more popular ones in the area.

Right around the corner, time-wise, is the Parade of Big Balloons in downtown Springfield on Friday. This annual promenade of inflated versions of cartoon and other characters may be geared toward the younger crowd, but there is no doubt some parents take delight in viewing some of the old-time characters float by. The parade is produced by Spirit of Springfield, which also puts on the popular Bright Nights display at Forest Park.

“The Spirit of Springfield is looking forward to an exciting holiday season with grand events like Bright Nights at Forest Park and the Tower Square Parade of the Big Balloons,” said Judith A. Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield. “These events bring family, friends and the community together in celebration.”

Bright Nights is well known to almost everyone in the Pioneer Valley. Now in its 18th year, the festival of lights draws visitors from all over New England to Forest Park each year. This year, the Springfield display runs from Nov. 21 to Jan.1.

Another great holiday display at a popular park is the Winter Wonderland at Look Park in Northampton, which runs Nov. 23 through Jan. 1.

Further north in Franklin County are the area’s favorite candle shops – always packed during the holiday season. The renowned Yankee Candle Co. has been creating a festive atmosphere for decades in its South Deerfield shop, while the newer Kringle Candle in Bernardston, which was founded by former Yankee Candle owner Mike Kittredge and his son, has made quite a lot of scents – and cents – since opening in 2009.

Heading east, Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge has a wide array of holiday offerings, with the highlight being Thanksgiving weekend, which features hearth cooking, demonstrations of 19th-century table manners, a shooting match, a recreated wedding, and a Thanksgiving sermon. The other big events at the Village are the Christmas by Candlelight weekends on Dec. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23.

In the Berkshires, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge will present a special screening of “Heirloom Meals: Savor the Holidays” on Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m.
This American Public Television special was created and produced by Stockbridge resident Carole Murko. This hour-long program features a segment filmed at Norman Rockwell Museum, and captures recipes, stories, and the deep connection between food, family, and heritage. Delicious treats will follow the program. The cost is $16 and includes Museum admission. The cost is just $10 for members.

In neighboring Connecticut, Hartford Stage will bring the magic of Charles Dickens’ heart-warming “A Christmas Carol” to life from Nov. 23 through Dec. 29. The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and company captures the spirit of a Victorian Christmas as well as the hearts of adults and children alike.

Last, but by no means least, First Night Northampton is the perfect way to ring out the old year and ring in the new. The festivities start early in the day, so both children and their parents need not worry about staying up too late. For those who do, however, the annual ball raising at midnight atop the Hotel Northampton is always a raucous good time.

Suh twice has been named dirtiest player in the NFL in Sporting News polls.

Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub picks himself up after a hit by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on Thursday. Associated Press

Last year was the stomp. This year, the kick?

Ndamukong Suh, twice voted by his peers as Sporting News' dirtiest player, added another questionable play to his dubious resume on Thursday.

Midway through the first quarter of the Detroit Lions' game against the Houston Texans, Suh rolled into quarterback Matt Schaub, kicking him in the groin area. Replays show Suh's left cleat making contact.

Suh was not called for a penalty, but given his reputation, some will question whether the kick was intentional.

Suh has been fined in previous seasons for roughing up quarterbacks: Cincinnati's Andy Dalton, Chicago's Jay Cutler and Cleveland's Jake Delhomme.

In 2011's Thanksgiving Day game, Suh was ejected for stomping on Green Bay Packers player Evan Dietrich-Smith's right arm during the third quarter of the Lions' 27-15 loss. The NFL suspended Suh two games for his malfeasance.

At least 100 vehicles were involved in the crash on fog-covered Interstate 10.

Officials examine the site of a massive vehicle pileup on Interstate 10 near Beaumont, Texas. Guiseppe Barranco, Associated Press

BEAUMONT, Texas – Two people died and more than 80 people were hurt Thursday when at least 100 vehicles collided in Southeast Texas in a pileup that left trucks twisted on top of each other and authorities rushing to pull survivors from the wreckage.

The collision occurred in extremely foggy conditions at about 8:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day on Interstate 10 southwest of Beaumont, a Gulf Coast city about 80 miles east of Houston.

A man and a woman were killed in a Chevy Suburban SUV crushed by a tractor trailer, the Texas Department of Public Safety told KFDM-TV.

Officials at Acadian Ambulance service said at least 51 people have been taken to area hospitals and at least eight are critically hurt.

According to DPS, a crash on the eastbound side of the highway led to other accidents in a dangerous chain reaction. There were multiple crashes on the other side of the highway as well.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Rod Carroll told The Associated Press the fog was so thick that deputies didn’t immediately realize they were dealing with multiple accidents.

“It is catastrophic,” Carroll said. “I’ve got cars on top of cars.”

I-10’s eastbound lanes were re-opened Thursday evening after more than eight hours.

Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Stephanie Davis told KFDM that two people in an SUV died after the crash. She said at least 100 cars and trucks were involved in the accident.

Carroll said uninjured drivers tried to help as authorities sorted through the wreckage.

“It’s just people helping people,” Carroll said. “The foremost thing in this holiday season is how other travelers were helping us when we were overwhelmed, sitting and holding, putting pressure on people that were injured.”

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, recalled the dry wit of the late President John F. Kennedy.

SPRINGFIELD –Local political leaders invoked the spirit of the late President John F. Kennedy during a ceremony at the Eternal Flame at Forest Park Thursday to mark the 49th anniversary of his assassination.

About 50 people turned out for the event under crisp, sunny skies. It was the same sort of weather New England had on that fateful day Nov. 22, 1963, former Mayor Charles V. Ryan recalled.

Ryan was responsible for the creation of the memorial, which was erected in 1964. The former mayor spoke fondly of how the Kennedy administration came to be called “Camelot” after the president’s death.

“We will rejoice in it and believe in it as long as we live,” Ryan said.

Kennedy, the nation’s 35th president, was shot while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Although Kennedy was president for only three years, his legacy has inspired generations of Americans to do public service.

The memorial in Forest Park includes a bronze plaque engraved with the famous Kennedy words “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said, “When you think of President Kennedy you think of all the individuals who were inspired by him. He helped individuals realize they wanted to give back....He helped inspire many other leaders to move this country forward.”

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, saluted Kennedy’s famous, dry wit.

“He had the ability to turn around a sentence in 30 seconds,” Neal said.

Former Democrat state Rep. Raymond Jordan called Kennedy “a great American who was larger than life.”

He praised Kennedy for working to ensure all Americans equal access to the schools, housing and the polls. Jordan spoke warmly of Kennedy’s work initiating the Voting Rights Act, calling him a man who was “divinely intended, a very special person.”

“Every year when I walk away,” said Sayed Haq, “I feel like a million bucks.”

CHICOPEE – They flew out of the kitchen in a steady stream Thursday, white-aproned volunteers serving what is thought to be the largest free Thanksgiving dinner in the state, held by the Fairview Knights of Columbus at the Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive.

Carol Pirog, in white apron, stood at a corner directing traffic so the fleet-footed servers wouldn’t crash into each other. Pirog started volunteering for the event 12 years ago, soon after her father died. To help assuage her mother’s grief, she brought her mom, too.

“My mother died a couple of years ago,” said Pirog, “so now I do it in her honor.”

The sit-down dinner is served on white china, and the servers in their aprons form a white band that extends down a whole wall.

The vast hall at the Castle holds 174 round tables for 10, which on Thursday had to be “flipped,” or re-set, as diners finished, to accommodate the hundreds of hungry people who came to eat.

“I think we’re going to top 1,000,” said Ronald Belair, chairman of the event, as the 2 p.m. closing time drew near.

“We also sent 2,150 home deliveries to shut-ins,” said Belair. In addition, the Fairview Knights sent 400 meals to Kate’s Kitchen in Holyoke and 400 to the Boys and Girls Club in Chicopee.

Belair estimated his team of volunteers at 200. Some have been working around the clock since Monday.

Elijah Saraiva, 5, was probably the youngest server. He said his favorite thing about the feast was the “bwead.”

He started out serving bread when he was 2 years old, said his mom, Jill Saraiva, and had graduated to serving dessert – apple pie squares – for the first time this year. Elijah’s dad, David, is an officer in the Fairview Knights.

Other young servers included Chicopee Comprehensive High School student Christopher Beaulieu, 17, and Ludlow Middle School students Emily Alves, 14, A.J. Alves, 12, and Haley Procon, 13.

Another volunteer, Sayed Haq, of Westfield, had been assigned to dress up like an Indian, complete with headdress. His wife, Jane, was dressed as a pilgrim.

Sayed, a Pakistani-American, said the children at the dinner were fascinated by his costume – though one little boy was so alarmed that he told his parents to take him home.

Many of the people waiting to eat brought their families. Nancy Velasquez drove from Springfield with relatives to claim the head of the line at 10 a.m., two hours in advance of the doors opening.

World War II veteran Jerry Barselow, 87, said he has been coming to the Thanksgiving event for years. He likes the “camaraderie and the wonderful people,” he said.

Raymond Owens, 5, said he was most looking forward to the turkey, while his sister Tiana, 12, voted for the mashed potatoes. They waited in line with their grandparents, since their mother was working.

Jazmyne Mendez, a tiny 5-year-old, came with her parents and grandmother. Her favorite thing about Thanksgiving is “dessert,” she said, jumping up and down in anticipation.

Danielle Dion said she and her husband, Yvon, like “everything” about Thanksgiving at the Castle. Yvon is a member of the Knights, and the couple belong to St. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee.

As diners moved on to the dessert phase, one of the servers doffed his white apron, walked to the front of the hall, donned a jacket and began to sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.”

It was Ray Guillemette, nationally known as an Elvis impersonator, who has waited on tables at the Castle of Knights for the past four Thanksgivings. After singing several holiday songs, Guillemette left for his own Thanksgiving feast. “My wife and I are having family at our home,” he had explained before he took the stage.

“There’s going to be a lotta turkey, a lotta mashed potatoes, a lotta love and a lotta magic.”

Volunteers seem to get as much out of the event as the guests they serve. “Every year when I walk away,” said Haq, “I feel like a million bucks.”

A herd of eight was caught by low tide at Herring River.

WELLFLEET – Four stranded dolphins among a herd of eight caught swimming during low tide on Thanksgiving on Cape Cod have been rescued.

Rescuers stabilized the four stranded common dolphins, carried them out of the mud at Herring River and placed them in a rescue trailer for full health exams. The dolphins were all deemed healthy for release back to the ocean.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare says its Marine Mammal Rescue and Research team successfully herded three other dolphins out of danger on Thursday. One dolphin died.

Rescuers and volunteers from IFAW, AmeriCorps and the National Park Service released one dolphin bull and three cows from Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

The number of dolphin strandings has risen to 262 this year, far exceeding the average of 38, IFAW spokesman Michael Booth said.

The dramatic rise in dolphin strandings contributes to a total of more than 340 strandings of seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins this year, Booth said.

Researchers continue to study the causes for the sharp uptick in strandings, but main factors that have always led to the problem include the area’s topography. The gently sloping beaches, the hook-like geography of Wellfleet Bay and Cape Cod and the maze-like creeks and inlets help to fuel the trend, Booth said.

Drastic tidal fluctuations catch dolphins by surprise, and the social nature of the dolphins keeps them together if even one of them is disoriented or sick, contributing to the strandings.