Quantcast
Channel: News
Viewing all 62489 articles
Browse latest View live

Boston Celtics honor fallen Springfield police Officer Kevin Ambrose at TD Garden ceremony

0
0

The fallen Springfield police officer has received national and regional attention, including posthumous honors from the Celtics and the Red Sox.

BOSTON — Kevin Ambrose, the Springfield police officer who was killed in the line of duty in June, made an impact on many people's lives.

From the victim Ambrose was helping during his last moments of life, to his brother and sister police officers, to citizens of every imaginable stripe, the humble cop from Wilbraham is still being remembered for his heroism during a volatile domestic situation that ended tragically.

kevin ambrose mug shot.jpg Kevin Ambrose  

On Saturday night, the spotlight once again was shone on the 36-year veteran Springfield police officer as the Boston Celtics honored his memory and his family during a courtside ceremony at the TD Garden in Boston. Ambrose was posthumously honored earlier this year by the Boston Red Sox during a Fenway Park ceremony.

"It is a great honor that everywhere throughout the state people want to recognize him for what he did in his 36-year career," Kyle Ambrose, the slain officer's son, told CBS 3 News, media partner of The Republican and MassLive.com.

"Just the fact that people are remembering him six months later is fantastic to the family," he said.

Ambrose, 55, was shot multiple times after responding to a June 4 domestic call at a Lawton Street apartment complex in the city's Sixteen Acres neighborhood. Ambrose's killer, off-duty corrections officer Shawn Bryan, later committed suicide.

The Springfield Police Department posthumously awarded Ambrose the Medal of Honor, the department's highest honor, during a ceremony last month at Central High School. Springfield police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, who spoke at the event, said Ambrose "sacrificed his life so that others might live."


WATCH A CBS 3 VIDEO of the Celtics honoring Kevin Ambrose:

CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM


Police investigating double stabbing in Haverhill that killed 1 man, injured another

0
0

Misael Lima, 24, died from his injuries at Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill. Officials haven't released the name of the second victim, who was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with non-life-threatening injuries.

HAVERHILL — Police in Haverhill are investigating an early Sunday morning double stabbing that killed one man and injured another.

Officials from the Essex District Attorney's Office said the two men were stabbed some time before 1:30 a.m. Sunday. Investigators believe they were wounded on Grove Street.

Authorities said 24-year-old Misael Lima died from his injuries at Merrimack Valley Hospital in Haverhill. Officials haven't released the name of the second victim, who was brought to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with injuries that didn't appear to be life-threatening.

Authorities said a third person brought both men to the hospital in Haverhill at 1:25 a.m.

Police haven't announced any arrests and said the investigation continues.

Editorial: New positions on taxes achieved bit by bit

0
0

House Speaker John Boehner, who says he won’t go along with any plan to raise rates, has signaled that he’d be willing to consider a proposal that would limit the various tax breaks filers are allowed.

Fiscal Cliff 12912.jpg House Speaker John Boehner, of Ohio, gestures as he speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington Friday to discuss the pending fiscal cliff. Boehner said there's been no progress in negotiations on how to avoid the fiscal cliff of tax hikes and spending cuts and called on President Barack Obama to come up with a new offer.  

The White House wants to increase the tax rate on a very small number of the nation’s richest citizens. It insists on it, in fact, as part of any budget deal.

During the presidential campaign, President Barack Obama’s opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, rejected that notion, instead suggesting some kind of hard dollar cap on tax deductions. Now, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who also says he won’t go along with any plan to raise rates, has signaled that he’d be willing to consider a proposal that would limit the various tax breaks filers are allowed.

In contemporary Washington, this is what’s called getting everyone on the same page.

For so long now – at least since the first President Bush was defeated by Bill Clinton in 1992 – Republicans have refused to talk seriously about taxes. The conventional wisdom has long held that Bush lost his re-election bid because he had gone back on his famous pledge: “Read my lips – no new taxes.” Whether this was actually true or not was immaterial. What mattered was the perception.

Republicans ran scared. And they began to sign the foolish anti-tax pledge that was the brainchild of anti-tax zealot Grover Norquist, a Washington lobbyist who took on an outsized role in shaping GOP policy.

Here’s how silly it all became: During this year’s Republican presidential primaries, the candidates were asked if they’d agree to a single dollar in new taxes against $10 in spending cuts. And not one candidate said yes.

Not one.

This isn’t standing up for what you believe; it’s blind fanaticism, pure and simple.

Which is why it’s possible to see the most recent developments as so positive. Obama and Boehner aren’t exactly seeing eye to eye, but they are, in fact, speaking the same language. And that’s really saying something.

Chicopee City Council refuses to appraise parking lot

0
0

A gas station once was located on the parking lot owned by the Ferris family.

CHICOPEE – The City Council has unanimously rejected a proposal to spend $10,000 to appraise a private and closed parking lot on Center Street for the second time in two months.

The council rejected the proposal to appraise the property located between Chapman, School and Center streets, which is owned by the Ferris family in a 11-0 vote last week. It earlier rejected a similar proposal to take money from the sale of real estate account do the same job; the new proposal would have money coming from the free cash account.

Councilors said they are concerned about the cost of cleaning up hazardous waste on the lot, which was once a gas station and has underground gas tanks that were never removed. Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette has wanted to take the lot by eminent domain to expand parking as part of the city’s efforts to redevelop downtown.

Timothy Callahan arrested by Springfield police on federal warrant, assault charges and other alleged offenses

0
0

In addition to the warrant, Callahan was charged with multiple counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and single counts of failure to stop for police, resisting arrest and other charges.


SPRINGFIELD — Timothy Bruce Callahan, 31, was arrested on a federal warrant and numerous other charges in connection with an incident last week on Wilbraham Road in the city's Upper Hill neighborhood, according to Springfield Police Department records.

Details of the Thursday afternoon incident were not immediately available, but Callahan was charged with three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and single counts of leaving the scene of a personal injury crash, reckless operation, failure to stop for police, and resisting arrest. Callahan is a Ludlow resident, according to police.

A Springfield police detective said he could not confirm if Callahan is the same person who was sentenced to prison in a federal gun case in April 2011. Detective Thomas Kakely is handling the investigation and was off duty Sunday.

According to Federal Bureau of Prisons records, a Timothy B. Callahan, 31, was released from federal custody in July 2011.

Massachusetts authorities hunting for dirt bike rider who crashed into all-terrain vehicle, killing ATV rider

0
0

Authorities have only identified the ATV rider who was killed in the crash as a 14-year-old minor.

PLYMOUTH — Authorities are hunting for a dirt bike rider who fled after crashing into an all-terrain vehicle and killing the teenage operator in bogland west of Plymouth Sunday afternoon.

The fatal crash happened around 2 p.m. along a stretch of bog near Darby Pond, which is about four miles west of Plymouth center.

Authorities have not released much information about the 14-year-old victim, who was identified only as a minor. "The matter is under investigation," Plymouth County First Assistant District Attorney Frank Middleton told the Patriot Ledger, of Quincy.

The probe is being handled by the Plymouth Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police.

More details will be posted on MassLive as they become available.

Information from the Associated Press, the Boston Globe, the Patriot Ledger and Plymouth Patch was used in this report.


MAP OF FATAL ATV CRASH SITE:


View Larger Map

Periods of rain overnight, low 36

0
0

Rain, potentially mixed with sleet and freezing rain in the hilltowns.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY has been issued by the National Weather Service for Berkshire County from 7 p.m. this evening until 6 a.m. Monday ... as well as Franklin and western Hampshire County until 8 a.m. Monday.

A large low pressure system has begun moving into the Northeast, bringing mostly rain showers to the region. There is the potential for it to mix with sleet and/or freezing rain in the hilltowns. Travelers tonight and for the early Monday morning commute should use caution. The Springfield area will not have to worry about any icy conditions.

Monday will be a rather dreary day as this frontal system crosses through the region. First, a warm front will lift through western Massachusetts, which will help bump our high temperatures into the mid-50s despite the rain. Showers will be on-and-off all day long, and rainfall totals are expected to be around a half-inch for the Springfield area through Monday night.

A cold front then crosses through the region for Tuesday, which will sweep out all the moisture, but bring our temperatures back down into the lower-40s (Tuesday will be one of those afternoons where temperatures struggle to rise any during the daytime). After that it's smooth-sailing for the rest of the week ... partly cloudy skies and seasonal temperatures dominate all the way into next weekend.

Tonight: Rain, mixed with mountain sleet/freezing rain, low 36.

Monday: Periods of rain, mild, high 56.

Tuesday: Decreasing clouds, cooler, high 41.

Wednesday: Partly cloudy, high 40.

Obama, Boehner meet to discuss 'fiscal cliff'

0
0

President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met Sunday at the White House to discuss the ongoing negotiations over the impending "fiscal cliff," the first meeting between just the two leaders since they both won re-election.

1210ob_boehner.JPG In this Nov. 16, 2012, file photo, President Barack Obama acknowledges House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio while speaking to reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, as he hosted a meeting of the bipartisan, bicameral leadership of Congress to discuss the deficit and economy. Administration officials say President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at the White House to discuss the ongoing negotiations over the impeding "fiscal cliff."


ANNE FLAHERTY and JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner met Sunday at the White House to discuss the ongoing negotiations over the impending "fiscal cliff," the first meeting between just the two leaders since they both won re-election.

Spokesmen for both Obama and Boehner said they agreed to not release details of the conversation, but emphasized that the lines of communication remain open.

The meeting comes as the White House and Congress try to break an impasse over finding a way to stop a combination of automatic tax increases and spending cuts scheduled to kick in at the beginning of next year.

Obama met in November with Boehner, as well as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. The president spoke by telephone with Reid and in person with Pelosi on Friday. The president is traveling to Redford, Mich., on Monday to promote his agenda in a speech to workers at an engine factory; auto workers helped Obama win Michigan in last month's election.

Obama has been pushing higher tax rates on the wealthiest Americans as one way to reduce the deficit — a position Boehner and other House Republicans have been steadfastly against. Republicans are demanding steeper cuts in costly government entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security.

One GOP senator said Sunday that Senate Republicans would probably agree to higher tax rates on the wealthiest Americans if it meant getting a chance to overhaul entitlement programs.

The comments by Bob Corker of Tennessee — a fiscal conservative who has been gaining stature in the Senate as a pragmatic deal broker — puts new pressure on Boehner and other Republican leaders to rethink their long-held assertion that even the very rich shouldn't see their rates go up next year. GOP leaders have argued that the revenue gained by hiking the top two tax rates would be trivial to the deficit, and that any tax hike hurts job creation.

But Corker said insisting on that red line — especially since Obama won re-election after campaigning on raising tax rates on the wealthy — might not be wise.

"There is a growing group of folks looking at this and realizing that we don't have a lot of cards as it relates to the tax issue before year end," Corker told "Fox News Sunday."

If Republicans agree to Obama's plan to increase rates on the top 2 percent of Americans, Corker added, "the focus then shifts to entitlements and maybe it puts us in a place where we actually can do something that really saves the nation."

Besides getting tax hikes through the Republican-dominated House, Corker's proposal faces another hurdle: Democrats haven't been receptive to GOP proposals on the entitlement programs. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on Sunday was skeptical about proposals to increase the eligibility age for Medicare from 65 to 67. He said he doesn't see Congress addressing the complicated issue of Medicare overhaul in the three weeks remaining before the end of the year.

"I just don't think we can do it in a matter of days here before the end of the year," Durbin said. "We need to address that in a thoughtful way through the committee structure after the first of the year."

And hard-line fiscal conservatives in the House are holding fast to their position.

"No Republican wants to vote for a rate tax increase," said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, chairman of the House Republican Conference.

Added Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.: "I'm not sure there is support for the rate hikes. There is support for revenue by cleaning up the code."

Still, at least one House Republican has said there is another way. Rep. Tom Cole, of Oklahoma, has said Obama and Boehner should agree not to raise tax rates on the majority of Americans and negotiate the rates for top earners later. Cole said Sunday that most House Republicans would vote for that approach because it doesn't include a rate hike.

"You know, it's not waving a white flag to recognize political reality," Cole said.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., already has said he could support higher tax rates on upper incomes as part of a comprehensive plan to cut the federal deficit.

When asked Sunday what it would take to sign on to a tax rate increase, Coburn echoed Corker's comments by responding, "Significant entitlement reform." He quickly added, however, that he has estimated that such a tax rate increase would only affect about 7 percent of the deficit.

"Will I accept a tax increase as a part of a deal to actually solve our problems? Yes," Coburn said. "But the president's negotiating with the wrong people. He needs to be negotiating with our bondholders in China, because if we don't put a credible plan on the discussion, ultimately, we all lose."

Obama's plan would raise $1.6 trillion in revenue over 10 years, partly by letting decade-old tax cuts on the country's highest earners expire at the end of the year. He would continue those Bush-era tax cuts for everyone except individuals earning more than $200,000 and couples making above $250,000. The highest rates on top-paid Americans would rise from 33 percent and 35 percent to 36 percent and 39.6 percent.

Boehner has offered $800 billion in new revenues to be raised by reducing or eliminating unspecified tax breaks on upper-income people. The Republican plan would cut spending by $1.4 trillion, including by trimming annual increases in Social Security payments and raising the eligibility age for Medicare.

Hensarling and Coburn spoke on ABC's "This Week." Blackburn and Cole spoke on CNN's "State of the Union." Durbin spoke on NBC's "Meet the Press."


Tip O'Neill honored on anniversary of 100th birthday

0
0

Former House Speaker Tip O'Neill was honored Sunday on what would have been his 100th birthday by a panel of veteran journalists who remembered the Massachusetts Democrat as a national leader whose humor and accessibility belied his great political skill.

1210tipoxxx.jpg Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill is shown in an April 26, 1991 file photo, in Washington. A group of well-known journalists will pay tribute to O'Neill, the late U.S. House Speaker, during a forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012.  


BOSTON — Former House Speaker Tip O'Neill was honored Sunday on what would have been his 100th birthday by a panel of veteran journalists who remembered the Massachusetts Democrat as a national leader whose humor and accessibility belied his great political skill.

The panel of journalists gathered at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library as part of the Kennedy Library Forums, an ongoing series focused on public affairs.

"Tip was a throwback. He was an American original," said Charlie Gibson, the former ABC News anchor, who in the 1980s worked as the network's Capitol Hill reporter. "It was an honor to cover him, even when you didn't agree with him."

Between humorous anecdotes about the former speaker, who was known as much for his political incorrectness as he was for his liberalism, the journalists speculated about what O'Neill might think of today's politics.

"We would love to question him about what he thinks about the House of Representatives today," Gibson said.

In recent years, as many in Washington have observed relations between the Democratic and Republican parties deteriorate, O'Neill's ability to work with then-President Ronald Reagan, a Republican, has become almost legendary.

Steve Roberts, who wrote for the New York Times during O'Neill's years as speaker, called it a myth that O'Neill and Reagan shared a friendship, despite their political differences. He said they had a functional relationship.

"They were not really friends. But he (O'Neill) respected the fact that Reagan had won," Roberts said. "He also respected Reagan's political power ... I think it's the respect that's missing. That's where I see the big change."

O'Neill represented his Boston-area district from 1953-1987, and served as Speaker from 1977 to 1987.

Chris Matthews, now host of Hardball on MSNBC, served as a senior aide to O'Neill in the 1980s. He recalled O'Neill as a man who respected the institutions and processes of government. Matthews speculated that, were O'Neill in the position of current Speaker of the House John Boehner, he would compromise more readily with President Barack Obama as the country faces the "fiscal cliff" next year, when taxes are to rise and government spending fall.

"He would cut a tough deal, but he would respect that the other guy won," Matthews said, referring to Obama's re-election this past November.

Roberts' wife, Cokie Roberts, who covered Congress for National Public Radio during O'Neill's tenure, said the speaker would have appreciated being remembered for his quote "all politics is local."

"To have that be his epitaph, I don't think he would mind that," she said, recalling O'Neill's intimate knowledge of the residents of his Massachusetts congressional district.

Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. died on Jan. 5, 1994.

Dog lovers, custodians contribute to Toy for Joy

0
0

Wostena says her dogs always loved opening up their own presents.

ToyForJoyLogo2010.JPG  

In some homes, dogs are part of the family, and people miss them long after they are gone.

That’s why Maryann Wostena of Thorndike decided to make a donation to Toy for Joy in memory of dogs she has loved and lost: Bebe, Oliver, Lucy and Ricky. In fact, Bebe and Lucy belonged to neighbors, but Wostena still remembers them as part of her life.

Oliver was just a puppy at his first Christmas celebration in 1972, she said. “Everyone loved him because he was such a little baby.”

“We haven’t been without a dog in 40 years,” said Wostena, who shares a home with her brother and widowed mom. She now has a beagle named Blaisey, named after her great-grandfather.

The family has always been close, she said. “I used to have a wonderful Christmas when I was a child, and that’s why I love giving donations for kids,” she said.

The family used to celebrate Christmas with her father’s parents next door, and Christmas Eve with her mother’s family in West Warren.

Wostena says her dogs always loved opening up their own presents. “They also wanted to open all of our presents!” she said.

A look at today’s list of donors reveals that the Wostena family is still close. Everybody, even the non-human members, are cherished when Toy for Joy season comes around.

Meanwhile, the custodians at the public schools in Granby are also doing their part to make sure all children get a toy for children.

They are donating to Toy for Joy for the second year and “we’re going to make it a yearly thing,” said Chester Roguz, who works at the high school.

He now lives in South Hadley, but he grew up in Granby, where Christmas always meant a live tree. He and his sisters got to open one present on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas morning.

The custodians hope their donation will allow somebody else’s children to have a similar experience.

“We all voted for it last year, and we wish we could do more,” said Roguz, whose colleagues in the custodial department are Steve Dudrick, Justin Welch, Richard Florence, Bob Dudley, John Dudley, Anna Schmidt and Mark Dufault.

For more information, call 733-7581. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon at The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until Dec. 21.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

  • The Sbalbi family, $20
  • Cheryl, $15
  • In memory of Paul, Mom and Dad, $20
  • Rene, Gina and Rose, we love and miss you, $50
  • In honor of Will, my first great-grandchild, $10
  • In memory of my life long friend Barb from Carol, $25
  • In loving memory of Eileen and Laura from Mom and brother Ernie, $15
  • In memory of our parents from Roger and Barbara, $50
  • Love and miss you Dude, love Dad, $50
  • Merry Christmas from Barb and Ed, $50
  • Memory of Mommy Crit and Michael, Dianne and Andy, $100
  • In memory of Mae and Skye, $25
  • In memory of the love of my life, my husband Lew Smith, he loved kids, $20
  • In memory of John Champagne, died 2007, $25
  • To honor Aunt Dot, love Greg, Carol, Allie and Amanda, $25
  • From Rekha and Naveen, $25
  • In memory of Larry Cavanaugh, $25
  • Loving memory of Bill and Theresa Chadwick, $100
  • Anonymous, $50
  • Merry Christmas Mom and Dad, $200
  • Merry Christmas, Barry and Danny, $50
  • May all kids be as blessed as I am this Christmas and all year long, $25
  • Thank you God for blessing me with the best husband and son in the world from Mary, $25
  • Wishing a very blessed Christmas and New Year, $25
  • In loving memory of our granddaughter Krista Lynn and Katrina Lee from Grandma and Grandad, $25
  • In loving memory of Steven Bacon from Mom and Charlotte, $20
  • For our Moms, $25
  • In loving memory of Jesse Kelleher and Jan Carroll, $50
  • In loving memory of David Mosellen, $100
  • In memory of Thaddeus and Elizabeth Hudyka, $100
  • In loving memory of Ken and Margaret Smiledge and David and Edward Dietz, $75
  • Janice, $150
  • In loving memory of Frances and Joe Macri, Maria and John Valego and Tessie and Mike Pasquini from Chickie, Walter, Maria, Angela, Joe and Sara Jo says “me too,”$15
  • In memory of Missy, NAS, $5
  • In memory of Donna Carmine, NAS, $5
  • In memory of officer Kevin Ambrose, NAS, $5
  • In loving memory of Joseph and Mary Frydryk and Karl Dygon from Carl and Pat, $25
  • In loving memory of Joseph and Helen Wostena Sr. and Sophie and Michael Pisarczyk from grandson Michael, $30
  • In loving memory of our dogs Bebe, Oliver, Lucy and Ricky from Maryann Wostena, $25
  • In loving memory of my husband Joseph Wostena Jr. from wife Blanche, $25
  • Merry Christmas from Granby MA Custodial staff, $50

RECEIVED: $1,755
TOTAL TO DATE: $21,639
STILL NEEDED: $128,361

Concert review: The Who revisits 'Quadrophenia' at Mohegan Sun Casino

0
0

The British rockers put on an exciting show for 10,000 fans at the Connecticut casino.

THE_WHO_11735797.JPG Roger Daltrey, left, and Pete Townshend of The Who perform on their "Quadrophenia and More" tour Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.  

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – A little more than a year ago, Roger Daltrey performed The Who's landmark rock opera "Tommy" at the XL Center in Hartford. On Sunday night, Daltrey returned to Connecticut with bandmate Pete Townshend in tow to resurrect the British rock band's other great rock opera, "Quadrophenia," at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

In a multimedia spectacle, The Who's musical story of teen Jimmy Cooper, multiple personalities and the 1960s rivalry between Britain's Mods and Rockers unfolded before a capacity crowd at the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena.

Daltrey, 68, and Townshend, 67, were ably backed by eight incredible musicians including guitarist Simon Townshend, drummer Zak Starkey (formerly of Oasis) and bassist Pino Palladino. The Who performed the 1973 rock opera in its entirety over the course of the two-hour and 15-minute concert. They kicked the night off with "I Am the Sea" and "The Real Me."

Daltrey supervised the elaborate staging of the Townshend-penned opera, which featured four giant video screens allowing for the participation of The Who's two deceased members. The bass work of the late John Entwistle was featured at the close of "5:15," while a recording of drummer Keith Moon provided the vocals on "Bell Boy."

The passing years have diminished some of singer Daltrey's vocal range and guitarist Townshend's stage antics, but the two Rock and Roll Hall of Famers gave it their all during the exciting 94-minute "Quadrophenia" – a composition that Townshend described on Sunday night as relentless and a "tough sleigh ride."

Highlights included "Drowned" with Townshend on acoustic guitar and rich lead vocals, a full throttle, arena shaking "I've Had Enough" with vintage microphone swinging and windmill guitar work, and the emotional closer "Love Reign O'er Me" with Daltrey in superb form.

After the conclusion of the 17-song rock opera, The Who performed five of their best known hits, including "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Won't Get Fooled Again."

With the backup band off stage, Daltrey and Townshend closed the evening with a moving performance of "Tea & Theatre" from their most recent studio album, "Endless Wire' from 2006.

Opening for The Who with a spirited 32-minute set was the retro rhythm and blues act Vintage Trouble with the engaging Ty Taylor on lead vocals.

The Mohegan Sun performance was The Who's last concert before their scheduled appearance at the 12-12-12 Concert on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy. The Who will resume their "Quadrophenia and More" tour on Jan. 28 in Anaheim, Calif.

Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee names Edward Noonan, of Noonan Energy, Springfield Parade Marshall for the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade

0
0

Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee honors citizens who contribute to the Irish community of Springfield.

AWARD.JPG Springfield- Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee award winners. From left, Alesia Barbaro, Alan Siok, Ellie Longtin, John Goonan and Thomas Sullivan, President of the Committee.  


SPRINGFIELD —
Several long-time supporters of the Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee received awards for their service Sunday at the John Boyle O' Reilly Club.

Committee president Thomas Sullivan said the honorees were selected because of their dedication to the Irish community and their willingness to help out.

Edward Noonan, the owner of Noonan Energy, was named the Springfield Parade Marshall.

Noonan could not attend the event, but Sullivan said he was pleased with the award.

Alesia Barbaro and Ellie Longtin will share the Paul G. Caron Award. The award is given in memory of the founder of the Springfield Colleen Contest.

Both Barbaro and Longtin said they were thrilled with the committee's decision.

"I don't have any children of my own, so I really enjoy working with the girls," Barbaro said of the Colleen contestants.

John Goonan was awarded the John and Agnes Burke Award, presented for outstanding service to the Irish community in Springfield.

Edward Noonan, owner Noonan Energy in Springfield.  


Goonan, who was raised in Chicopee and has lived in Springfield most of his adult life, said he is thankful for the award.

"I like to help out whenever I can. And I really like raffles, so if anyone is selling tickets I will always buy some," he said.

The Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award was given to Alan and Paul Siok, owners of Siok and Son Farms in Ludlow.

Although they are not residents of Springfield, the couple donate their services to create a float for the Colleens every year and also donate the truck to haul the float.

Alan Siok attended the event and said they are always happy to help their community.

Sullivan said the awards are the first sign that March and the parade in Holyoke are soon approaching.

"All of the events leading up to the parade are a lot of fun and this one is special because we get to honor people who really contribute to our community and are proud of their Irish heritage," he said. "And even if they are not Irish, they are people who care about the community and want to help."

Springfield's Court Square lights up with new holiday display

0
0

The display includes a magnificent fountain, 30 lamp pole halos, a 30-foot holiday tree and tree lighting.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Spirit of Springfield President Judith Matt, a representative from MGM Resorts International, Santa and members of the community gathered in Court Square to flip the switch on new holiday lighting on Wednesday night.

The display includes a magnificent fountain, 30 lamp pole halos, a 30-foot holiday tree and tree lighting. Also on display are the traditional Nativity and Menorah, as well as tree lighting at the base of the Campanile.
Gallery preview
Court Square’s holiday lighting is a joint venture between the Spirit of Springfield and the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management. Funds for the décor and its installation were provided by MGM Springfield. Northern Tree Service donated the 30-foot tree, which will serve as Springfield's holiday tree this year and as it grows.

Festivities included musical performances, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

4 top Patrick administration officials to leave office in Massachusetts statehouse shakeup

0
0

Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez, Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigbee, Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan and Education Secretary Paul Reville are expected to be leaving the Patrick administration.

4 cabinet secretaries 121212.jpg Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez, Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan and Education Secretary Paul Reville, clockwise from top left, are expected to be leaving the Patrick administration next year.  

By MATT MURPHY

BOSTON — Four of Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s top Cabinet officials plan to resign rather than commit to serving out the remaining two years of his term in a dramatic shakeup of the governor’s leadership team at turbulent time for his administration, according to people familiar with the changes.

Glen Shor, executive director of the Health Insurance Connector Authority, will replace Administration and Finance Secretary Jay Gonzalez as Patrick’s budget chief, and St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center president John Polanowicz will take over as secretary of health and human services, replacing JudyAnn Bigby, according to sources, including an administration official who confirmed Polanowicz’s appointment.

An administration source also confirmed that Patrick plans to name Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral to succeed state Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Mary Beth Heffernan. Slotting Cabral for the state post would enable Patrick to name an acting sheriff to serve until the next sheriff’s election in 2016.

Education Secretary Paul Reville also plans to step down before the start of the next legislative session in January, according to sources.

Patrick plans to announce the changes on Thursday, as well as his picks to replace the Cabinet members. All four departing members of the Cabinet have been with Patrick in some capacity since he took office in 2007.

Though Patrick’s leadership team has experienced turnover during his six years in office, never has there been as large an exodus at the same time. The changes in personnel come as his administration is dealing with midyear budget cuts, preparing a fiscal 2014 budget proposal, and coping with the fallout from scandals at a state-run drug lab and locally based pharmacy responsible for a nationwide outbreak of fungal meningitis.

The shakeup is certain to raise questions about Patrick’s agenda for the next two years as well as a possible brain drain from his administration as staff and appointed leaders, like Patrick, look at their own futures beyond 2014.

“The governor has the utmost respect for all his Cabinet secretaries. The folks we are bringing on to join the team are standouts in their field and top talents that will help the governor achieve an ambitious agenda,” an administration official, who would not confirm the four departures, told the New Service.

Following the November election, Patrick asked all his secretaries make a two-year commitment to the administration if they wanted to stay. The governor has made clear that he does not intend to seek a third term, and plans to return to the private sector.

Republicans have been calling for Patrick to remove Bigby for her handling of the Hinton drug lab fiasco that has results in more than 100 defendants being released from prison, suggesting they and the public have lost confidence in her ability to manage the executive branch’s largest agency.

Polanowicz, who has also served as president of Marlborough Hospital and vice president for operations at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, will inherit a Department of Public Health under intense scrutiny and the complicated task of helping to implement a new health care payment and care delivery reform law.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Greg Bialecki, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Joanne Goldstein and Transportation Secretary Richard Davey all plan to remain in their posts.

The governor’s chief of staff, Mo Cowan, also recently announced that he planned to leave the administration for the private sector in January when he will be replaced by current communications director Brendan Ryan. Other staff changes have not been ruled out.

Mistrial in Timothy Cahill corruption case causes Attorney General Martha Coakley to consider options

0
0

In a 20th floor conference room of One Ashburton Place about an hour later, Coakley said it’s unclear what the next steps will be, but defended the decision to bring charges against Cahill.

By ANDY METZGER

BOSTON - While former Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill left the courthouse elated on Wednesday – neither convicted nor fully vindicated by a hung jury that created a mistrial – Attorney General Martha M. Coakley said her office could try the former prosecutor again on charges of a conspiracy to misuse state funds.

“It’s elation. Total elation,” Cahill, 54, told reporters on the plaza outside of Suffolk Superior Court where he spent nearly two months fighting charges that he conspired to run Massachusetts State Lottery ads to aid his 2010 campaign for governor. He said, “I’m relieved and I’m thrilled.”

In a 20th floor conference room of One Ashburton Place about an hour later, Coakley said it’s unclear what the next steps will be, but defended the decision to bring charges against Cahill.

“We found significant evidence that he attempted to use $1.5 million in taxpayer money as if it was his own campaign account, and to the detriment of the state lottery. Faced with this evidence, we certainly could not ignore it,” Coakley said. She said, “I believe that the only way we will change things in this Commonwealth is to be willing to bring cases of public corruption when we believe we have the evidence.”

Both Cahill and Coakley praised the jury for their hard work, which involved seven days and more than 40 hours of deliberations, according to Judge Christine Roach. Those closed-door deliberations were civil, even amid disagreements between those who believed Cahill was guilty of the two conspiracy counts, and those who thought the prosecution hadn’t completely proved its case, according to two jurors both of whom declined to divulge their names.

“The room was strongly in favor of guilt,” a female juror told the News Service. The woman declined to say whether she sided with a guilty verdict or an acquittal, and praised the process. She said, “Mostly it was 12 people trying to get something done.”

A man who conceded to being identified by his juror number, 15, said he was not persuaded to budge from his vote to acquit and declined to comment on how many people were on his side and how many favored a guilty verdict.

“The fact that you can’t conspire with yourself is a critical factor, and there were two people who were named as co-conspirators but weren’t in the room. Never heard from them,” the man told reporters, referring to Mike Sheehan, the CEO of ad agency Hill Holliday, and Alfred Grazioso Jr., the Lottery’s former chief of staff who faces charges of obstruction of justice related to the case. The jury had also sent legal questions to the judge about how to consider the other alleged conspirator’s roles.

Juror 15 said the jury was “a smart group,” comprising people in the fields of nursing, writing and construction work. He said that he is self-employed as a graphic designer.

The case will be back in court on Jan. 4 for a status review, and Coakley said that in the meantime prosecutors will be weighing whether to try proving the case in front of another jury.

“We have now what is a hung jury, which means Tim Cahill is in the same position he was when the indictments were returned,” Coakley said.

Asked whether he would have preferred an acquittal to the mistrial, Cahill told reporters, “It’s always nice to get all 12, but I don’t think I’ve ever won a unanimous vote in my life.”

The charges against Cahill stem from a decision to run brand-boosting Lottery ads at a cost of $1.5 million while Cahill’s gubernatorial campaign was running ads touting his success at the Lottery. That alleged unwarranted privilege became a criminal act with a sentence of up to five years in prison through a 2009 ethics reform law. Cahill’s co-defendant, longtime aide Scott Campbell, was acquitted of his charges in the case on Tuesday, by the same jury.

Asked if the prosecution was a waste of money, Cahill told reporters, “After having my motives questioned for the last two years over what I did in public service, it’s not my right or my call to question anyone else’s motives. It’s for you folks and others to say.”

Cahill’s defense attorneys, Brad Bailey and Jeff Denner, told reporters outside the courtroom that the case against Cahill belonged at the Ethics Commission, not in front of a jury with felony charges hanging in the balance.

Asked about Cahill’s decision to testify in his own defense, Denner said, “An awful lot of so-called politicians that are accused of wrongdoing don’t get up. They talk a lot in the press, and they talk a lot in the beginning, but don’t get up and under oath give their story and risk being examined and cross examined, and Tim Cahill did that.”

Noting that “charges are still pending,” Coakley declined to say whether that decision had been a boon for the prosecution, as it allowed prosecutor James O’Brien to confront Cahill in front of the jury. O’Brien, the lead prosecutor in the case and the chief of the AG’s Public Integrity Division, did not appear alongside Coakley during her post-mistrial press conference as he had when the indictment was announced in April.

Coakley said, unless prosecutors can bring cases against public officials suspected of wrongdoing, “The culture – if there is one – of corruption won’t change, because as people will say, ‘Well everybody does it.’ So even though nobody likes it, nobody changes it.”

For Cahill, the jurors’ inability to reach a conclusion in the case ends what had become a daily routine for the former treasurer and onetime Quincy city councilor and restaurateur: sitting passively in court while his fate was determined by lawyers, Judge Christine Roach, and ultimately 12 people whom he had never met.

It was also a victory, according to Cahill.

“The government had a job to do and they spent two years doing it and spared no expense – and that was to find me guilty, which they did not do. I feel it was total vindication,” Cahill said.

Under court order to avoid news stories on the case, the jurors were just as ignorant of the political speculation surrounding the case as the pundits were of the jury. Juror 15 said the jurors were also unfamiliar with Cahill’s 2010 campaign.

“We all shared a regret about not knowing more about this case and therefore being selected,” the man said. He also said, “I am dying to read the paper and find out what y’all been writing.”

Much of the speculation about the Cahill case has been about whether a failure to convict Cahill would damage Coakley’s reputation. Asked if she thought the hung jury would hurt her politically, Coakley said, “I don’t believe so. I don’t make those decisions based on that.”

Asked about how she navigates the gray areas of life as a public official and sometimes candidate, Coakley said she makes every attempt to follow the law, and pointed out that officials can consult the Office of Campaign and Political Finance and the Ethics Commission with questions.

“It’s incumbent upon everybody, including me, to understand what the law requires – the letter of the law as well as what the spirit of the law is – I try and do that. I try and follow the law in doing that, and I know that I will be held accountable if I don’t,” Coakley said.

The case against Cahill – that he allegedly put $1.5 million of Lottery money into the service of his campaign – is clearly a violation of law, Coakley said.

“If you believe the charges, this was not a gray area,” Coakley said.


State House News Service writer Mike Deehan contributed to this report.


Massachusetts gaming leaders urge casinos to negotiate agreements with communities near a planned a resort

0
0

If a municipality is designated as a surrounding community, it can ink agreements with casino companies for education money, road improvements or other ways to offset the effects of a resort outside their borders.

BOSTON — Massachusetts gaming officials on Wednesday moved to resolve the thorny issue of which communities can negotiate agreements with a casino planned in a nearby or neighboring city or town.

As part of a debate about dozens of key policy questions, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission examined a section of the state's casino law that allows for so-called "surrounding communities." If a municipality is designated as a surrounding community, it can ink agreements with casino companies for education money, road improvements or other ways to offset the effects of a resort outside their borders.

game.JPG Members of the five-person Massachusetts Gaming Commission, from left, are: Enrique Zuniga, James F. McHugh, Chairman Stephen Crosby, speaking, Bruce Stebbins, and Gayle Cameron.  

Stephen P. Crosby, chairman of the gaming commission, said casino applicants should identify surrounding communities and work with those cities and towns.

The five-member commission – also including Bruce Stebbins, Gayle Cameron, Enrique Zuniga and James F. McHugh – voted to issue guidelines by the end of January that would help developers and communities decide which cities and towns receive the status of a "surrounding community" and therefore the right to reach agreements a developer.

"We will try to give enough guidance that the applicant and the community can work it out in advance, pretty much knowing where we would go," said Crosby.

Under the law, communities such as Springfield, which would host a casino, get to negotiate agreements with casino companies and then put those agreements up for a vote.

The law also calls for similar agreements with "surrounding communities," but it doesn't define precisely what constitutes a surrounding community. Surrounding communities also don't get to vote on a casino.

Instead, the law provides some general details of what defines a surrounding community and encourages casino developers to reach agreements with those communities. Those agreements would need to be submitted as part of a license application to the commission.

The commission's upcoming guidance could include whether a shared border determines a surrounding community, or whether a local feeder road could prompt the designation. The commission will also consider what weight to give to factors such as impacts on police and fire, housing, schools, water and sewer systems.

"Communities shouldn't get greedy and the applicant shouldn't be too stingy," Crosby added. "They ought to try to figure out what the significant negative impacts are and address them."

If a city or town can't reach agreement with a developer, then it can appeal to the commission after the casino files its application.

If the commission itself designates "a surrounding community," then a city or town gets 30 days to seal a deal with a nearby proposed casino, while no action is taken on the application in the meantime. If no agreement comes after 30 days, the commission must move to close the talks and ensure "a fair and reasonable" deal with a surrounding community.

"We will be encouraging them to be proactive about it, not to be held up," Crosby said "It will slow down the licensing process a lot if we have to send them out to arbitration."

Developers planning casinos, including the Mohegan Sun in Palmer, or MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming in Springfield, could be facing the possibility of negotiating a half dozen or so agreements with surrounding communities.

Seven communities share a border with Palmer and each could potentially at least seek mitigation money or other concessions from a Palmer casino.

Springfield is also bordered by Chicopee, Longmeadow, Ludlow, East Longmeadow and Wilbraham, all potential surrounding communities if they can demonstrate an impact, said Stebbins, a former city councilor in Springfield.

"We really want to give some guidance to an applicant so the applicant can go out and do their work and talk to potential surrounding communities," Stebbins said.

Holyoke High School Gay Straight Alliance to hold assemblies on acceptance; founder Mayor Alex Morse among speakers

0
0

The mayor will speak at the assembly of the group he founded when he was in high school.

gay.png  

HOLYOKE — The Gay Straight Alliance at Holyoke High School will hold two assemblies Dec. 21 on acceptance and awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people.

"The subjects of the student speeches (will) focus on what it is like to be (such) students at Holyoke High School," alliance President Elvin Bruno Jr. said Wednesday.

Mayor Alex B. Morse, who founded the alliance when he attended Holyoke High School, will be among the speakers. Bruno called Morse a "prime asset" in making such assemblies possible.

elvin.jpg Elvin Bruno Jr.  

The assemblies will be in the auditorium at the 500 Beech St. school. The first will be 10:10 to 11:51 a.m. and the second from 1:11 to 2:52 p.m., Bruno said.

Morse, who took office in January in his first term as mayor, said he was glad the alliance is continuing.

"The Holyoke High School GSA ensures that all young people feel safe and respected while in school. The GSA holds students and teachers accountable around language and helps foster a climate of acceptance.

"We must address bullying and harassment head on, as students can't learn if they don't feel safe. One of Holyoke High School's greatest strengths is its spirit of inclusion and diversity, and I thank the students, teachers, and leadership at the school for doing their part," Morse said.

Alex Morse viewpoint 5612.jpg Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse  

Other speakers will include representatives from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of Boston, Bruno said, and Gay & Lesbian Advocates
& Defenders (GLAD).

There will also be a short video and question and answer panel discussion between the students and presenters, he said.

For information contact Bruno at elvinbruno1@gmail.com.

Boston Red Sox to send Los Angeles Dodgers $11.7 million in cash

0
0

The Red Sox will make identical payments of $3.9 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of the cash component of the trade.

12-12-12-josh-beckett.JPG This Sept. 13 file photo shows Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Josh Beckett throwing during the first inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals in Los Angeles.  

LOS ANGELES – The blockbuster trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford from Boston to the Dodgers last August will wrap up with the Red Sox paying $11.7 million to Los Angeles over the next three years.

The Red Sox will make identical payments of $3.9 million in 2013, 2014 and 2015 as part of the cash component of the trade.

Boston also sent infielder Nick Punto to Los Angeles in the nine-player trade that was the biggest in Dodgers history. In return, the Red Sox got first baseman James Loney, pitcher Allen Webster, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and two other players while shedding more than $250 million in salaries through 2018.

Valley Gives on track to meet $1 million fund-raising goal

0
0

Kristin Leutz of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts said the community was extremely generous. Watch video

Gallery preview

UPDATE, 2 a.m. Thursday: According to the Valley Gives website, 6,646 unique donors made 10,606 donations totaling $974,737 for the day.


This is an updated version of a story posted at 5:28 Wednesday afternoon.


SPRINGFIELD — Valley Gives, the new online, 24-hour philanthropic fund-raising campaign, was on track to meet its $1 million goal, Kristin Leutz, vice president of philanthropic services for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, said.

Valley Gives, an online giving campaign, is a partnership led by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; the region’s three United Way organizations: United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield, United Way of Hampshire County in Northampton and United Way of Franklin County in Greenfield; and the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Jewish Endowment Foundation, Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and The Beveridge Family Foundation.

“We’re on our way to $1 million,” Leutz predicted Wednesday night at a gathering at Mama Iguana’s in Springfield.

Leutz added that the community has been “incredibly generous.”

“Our expectations have been blown away,” she said.

More than 260 organizations large and small from all over the Pioneer Valley signed up and were competing for $200,000 in donated prize money through the day. Prizes are given randomly and to organizations that raise the most money or have the most individual donors.

Sandy Belden, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, said the online campaign, conducted in part through social media such as Facebook and Twitter, was “a wonderful way to connect with new donors.”

Sandy and Betsy Belden donated some of the prize money which served as incentives for the individual non-profits to join the online campaign to raise funds.

Rima Dael is the executive director of the nonprofit Country Dance & Song Society in Easthampton.

She said her organization did a very effective Facebook and email campaign and by Wednesday night had 94 donors.

“We are a participatory arts organization,” she said. “We serenaded people this morning at Whole Foods in Hadley and later at Thornes Marketplace in Northampton with the Community Foundation.”

“We plan to participate in this every year,” she added. “Our centenary celebration is in 2015.”

For an update on the amounts raised go to valleygives.razoo.com.

University of Massachusetts student Aidan Stone seriously injured when his bicycle collides with car in Hadley

0
0

The driver of the car told police she never saw Stone because the afternoon sun was in her eyes.

HADLEY - A University of Massachusetts student was seriously injured Wednesday afternoon when his bicycle collided with a car at the intersection of Rocky Hill Road and North Maple Street, roughly a mile away from the Amherst campus, police said.

Sgt. Damion Shanley of the Hadley Police said the student, Aidan Stone, 20, a California native attending UMass, was taken by ambulance to Baystate Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. He said that at last report Stone was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit.

A spokeswoman with Baystate said the hospital had no information available on his condition.

The driver of the car, Lindsay Pitczynski, 29, of Holyoke, told officers that the afternoon sun was in her eyes and she never saw the bicycle cross her path until it was too late, Shanley said.

The accident was reported at about 3:30 p.m.

Pitczynski's car, a Honda Civic, was heading west on Rocky Hill Road. The light was green and she had the right of way when Stone, heading north on North Maple drove into the intersection without stopping, Shanley said.

No citations have been injured and based on the initial investigation "it doesn't seem that the driver did anything wrong," Shanley said.


View Larger Map

Viewing all 62489 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images