Obituaries from The Republican.

Laura Ryan 

Laura Gene (Ryder) Ryan, 87, of South Hadley, passed away on Saturday. Born in Holyoke, she was a graduate of Chicopee High School, and received a nursing home administrator license from Babson College. She was the administrator for her family-owned businesses, the Green Meadow Nursing Home in Ashfield and the Ryder Nursing Home in Florence, until 1975. She was the administrator for many years at the Poet Seat Nursing Home in Greenfield. She began working as a senior aide for WestMass Eldercare in 1987 at the South Hadley public library, and went on to be an ombudsman in 1991. She received numerous awards for her outstanding service as an advocate for patients and their families.

Three people were gunned downed in Boston between Sunday night and Monday morning according to Boston police officials.

BOSTON --” Three people were gunned downed in Boston between Sunday night and Monday morning according to Boston police officials.

At 9:54 p.m. on Sunday police found a man believed to be in his twenties at 1886 Dorchester Ave in the Ashmont section of Dorchester. The man was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting is still under investigation and police have not released the identity of the victim.

In the early pre-dawn hours on Monday two people, a man and a woman, were shot near 92 Rosewood Street in Mattapan. Both were transported to nearby hospitals and later pronounced dead. Their identities have not been released and the case is under active investigation.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that they are gang related," said Officer James Kenneally.

These are the sixth, seventh, and eighth murders for 2014.

A Blackstone man driving a tractor trailer truck from Millville to Maine is cooperating with police as they investigate a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred in Uxbridge Sunday night.

A Blackstone man driving a tractor trailer truck from Millville to Maine is cooperating with police as they investigate a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred in Uxbridge Sunday night.

According to the Worcester County District Attorney's office, Robert M. Orcutt, 55, of Uxbridge, described as an energetic and kind man by those who knew him, was struck and killed while walking along Balm of Life Spring Road Sunday night.

Orcutt, a resident of an nearby group home for individuals with intellectual disabilities operated by Alternatives, had gone out for a walk at around 6 p.m., according to District Attorney Joseph Early's office. Going out for an evening walk was part of Orcutt's normal routine, according to officials from Alternatives.

While walking along the road he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by James J. Dean, 44, of Blackstone, shortly before 7 p.m. The area of the crash is dimly lit and there is no sidewalk, according to a news release.

Dean, who drives for Gorham Transport, was headed from Millville to Gorham, Maine.

According to the district attorney's, when Dean reached his destination in Maine he heard about the accident. Dean returned to Uxbridge Monday morning to speak with police.

"(Dean) told police that he thought he might have hit something and stopped to check. He didn’t see the decedent and continued on his way," according the news release.

The crash remains under investigation by state police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office, the state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Uxbridge police.

As of Monday afternoon, no charges have been filed.

According to representatives from Alternatives, Orcutt "was energetic, kind and could many anyone laugh" and a "gifted artist who loved music and all things outdoors."

"His sudden death is very difficult for residents of the program and for the staff. Trauma and grief resources have been brought in for support," Alternatives officials said in a news release Monday afternoon.

Officials from the home said that a "preliminary review has indicated that all protocols and procedures were followed."

"We are working closely with police and hope for a speedy resolution to the case," they said in a news release.

Police are continuing their investigation at Amherst Regional High School following a possible threat posted on social media about a student carrying a weapon on school grounds.

UPDATE, 3:55 p.m.: Police have identified the student involved in the Facebook posting.
Read the story »

Updates a story posted Monday at 9:18 a.m.

AMHERST — Police are continuing their investigation at Amherst Regional High School following a possible threat posted on social media about a student carrying a weapon on school grounds.

The school was closed Monday to staff, students and families, said Kimberly Stender of the Community, Partnerships & Volunteers Office of the Superintendent, who cited safety concerns.

She said that South East campus, a smaller special education public day school, on South East Street also is closed.

“We take any threats of this nature seriously, so yes, an investigation was initiated immediately, and is currently still on going,” Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone wrote in an email. "I had several conversations with the school administration over the course of last night, this morning. (It was) mutually agreed upon that the school be closed to assist us in our investigation."

The school's website carries this message:

"Over the weekend, we received information from a social media post that referenced the possibility of an ARHS student carrying a weapon on school grounds. The Amherst Police Department is currently conducting an investigation. As a precaution and to facilitate the investigation, we decided to close the building. During this time, the building is off limits to all staff, students, and the public. Over the course of the day, we will send out more information as it becomes available.

In addition, (Principal Mark) Jackson and Superintendent (Maria) Geryk will hold a session for those parents and guardians who would like to meet to discuss this situation in the ARMS Auditorium tonight January 27th at 7 PM."

The message that Stender believes initiated the investigation was posted on the Amherst Regional High School Confessions Facebook page that and read “tbh im packin modtly everyday at school. but since im calm and am able to keep my composure noone dies. i have it for protection yet ppl still think they can bully me."
 TBH means "to be honest."

The page states: “A page for ARHS students to post anything they want 100% anonymously. Hate will be ignored.” The posting, however, has been taken down.

Stender said parents have been understanding. "They’re very thankful (for the school’s concerns),” she said.

She said officials are hoping to reopen the school tomorrow, but that will be depend on the investigation.

Maureen Healy, 32, of Holyoke, was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol, but not of a more serious charge of motor vehicle homicide in the 2011 death of Thomas P. Monahan of Holyoke.

Update: Maureen Healy was sentenced to three years of probation.

Her family expressed relief. There was no immediate visible reaction from the family of victim Thomas Monahan.

Check back here on MassLive. com or in Tuesday's editions of The Republican for more information

SPRINGFIELD — After less than two hours of deliberation, a Hampden Superior Court jury found Maureen Healy guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol, but not of a more serious charge of motor vehicle homicide in the 2011 death of Thomas P. Monahan of Holyoke.

Sentencing will be later Monday afternoon.

Healy's family reacted with relief at the verdict following a five-day trial.

Healy, 32, of Holyoke, also was charged with motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving in the death of Monahan.

Monahan was fatally injured June 4, 2011 as he came to the aid of Healy, who had crashed her car into a parked vehicle in front of his 144 Lincoln St. house shortly before midnight. Her car came to rest lying on its passenger side in the road.

As Monahan tended to Healy, a second car, driven by Tiffany Renardson, came up Lincoln Avenue and crashed into Healy's overturned vehicle. The impact sent Healy's car into Monahan. He died two days later

Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni's office in early June dropped a negligent motor vehicle homicide charge against Renardson.

January 24, 2014 ÃĢ€“ Springfield, Mass. - Staff photo by Michael S. Gordon - Maureen Healy Friday on the last day of testimony during her trial for one count of motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of alcohol in a multi-car incident that claimed the life of Thomas P. Monahan on Lincoln St., Holyoke, June 4, 2011. Closing remarks by lawyers are scheduled for Monday in Hampden Superior Court. 

The graduation rates statewide have improved seven consecutive years.

SPRINGFIELD – The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced Monday that the four-year graduation rates and the dropout rates improved statewide last year, including a significant reduction in the dropout rate in the Springfield school district.

The statewide graduation rate improved for the seventh consecutive year, according to the state.

Springfield had 241 fewer students drop out in 2012-13, than in 2008-09, representing a 3.1 percentage point improvement, from 9.6 percent to 6.5 percent, according to the state.

The four-year graduation rate, however, dropped from 56.6 percent in 2012 to 54.9 percent last year. Two years ago, the drop-out rate was 52.1 percent.

The four-year cohort graduation and dropout rates reflect the student group that started together as freshmen.

“I commend our students, educators and parents for another year of great progress,” said Gov. Deval Patrick, in a prepared release. “Let’s keep it going by investing in education because it is the single best way to prepare our young people for work and life.”

Springfield Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick has a press conference at 3 p.m., at the School Department headquarters, 1550 Main St., to discuss the graduation and dropout rates in Springfield

“I could not be prouder of the work done by our administrators, staff and students,” Warwick said in advance of a press conference, regarding the significant decline in the dropout rate .

Warwick said the dropout numbers are a predictor that the graduation rate will move upward.

“Every student who stayed in school is another year closer to becoming a graduate,” Warwick said.

The improvement in the dropout rate is the result of “intensive, sustained efforts to keep students in school” through the 12th grade, Warwick said. The programs designed to keep the students in school begin as early as elementary school with consistent follow-up in the secondary years, he said.

The efforts to keep the students in school includes identifying students at risk of dropping out at an early stage, and providing them with academic, social and emotional supports, Warwick said. In addition, there are efforts to improve student attendance and to expand alternative and flexible patterns to graduation such as on-line credit recovery courses, he said.

In Westfield, the graduation rate for a four-year cohort of 504 students was 82.9 percent with 6 percent of those not graduated still in school; 32 percent are listed as non-grad completers and 2.6 percent got their GED equivalency diplomas. Statistics showed that 6.5 percent dropped out.

That 82.9 percent graduation rate is lower than the 84.3 percent reported from the 2012 four-year cohort. But Westfield Superintendent of Schools Suzanne Scallion said things are a lot better than the 10-percent dropout rates common a decade ago.

“One kid dropping out is too many,” she said. “We need to keep these kids engaged and involved in school.”

She said the dropout rates, which are figured differently, have improved at Westfield Vocational Technical High School. She called that a good sign because it shows at-risk teens preparing themselves for immediate employment.

“It’s where students are on a more individualized program,” she said. “It’s about establishing a relationship with each student to get them to earn that diploma.”

At West Springfield High School, a team of 10 to 15 faculty keep tabs on about 100 students who might be in danger of dropping out due to emotional, economic pressures or even pregnancy, said West Springfield High School Principal Michael Richard . This drop-out prevention team goes through the list, sees which kids are struggling and reaches out to them one-on –one with whatever help or encouragement they need whether it’s a try out for the wrestling team or help with Algebra II.

Some kids even get home visits so parents, many of them immigrants from other cultures, understand the importance of a high school diploma and further education.

“It’s all about making personal connections,” he said.

West Springfield also has a summer catch-up program that gets lagging students back on track.

“”It also gives them an advocate in the building,” Richard said. “It’s a product of the effort we put in.”

At West Springfield, a cohort of 331 students had a graduation rate of 81.6 percent with 5.1 percent still in school; 1.8 percent non-grad completers, 2.1 percent earned their GED and 9.4 percent dropped out.

The graduation rate rose from 81.6 percent in 2013 from 80.4 percent in 2012.

In Agawam, a cohort of 349 kids had a 90 percent graduation rate, roughly the same as the 90.1 percent grad rate a year ago in the 2012 cohort. In 2013, 4.3 percent of this most recent cohort was still in school, 0.9 percent got a GED and 4.9 percent dropped out.

Westfield’s Scallion said school district’s are also adjusting to new drop-out rules.

In Easthampton, the graduation rate in 2013 rose to 88.3 percent from the 84.7 percent in 2012.

“There has been focused attention and effort on raising the graduation rate and lowering the drop-out rate in the high school improvement plan since Dr. (Vito) Perrone was hired as principal, and we are please to see the investment we have made in our students is leading to a higher graduation rate,” said Superintendent Nancy B. Follansbee.

Perrone became principal in 2009.

“The high school plan has involved increased attention to outreach to students and their parents; collaboration with community partners, and targeted interventions to meet student needs,” Follansbee said.

Staff writers Jim Kinney and Diane Lederman contributed to this report.

The story will be updated as reporting continues.

A Leominster woman was injured after allegedly being struck by a drunk driver on Park Avenue Sunday morning.

WORCESTER — A Leominster woman was injured after being struck by an allegedly drunk driver on Park Avenue Sunday morning.

"Officers aided the victim who was found unresponsive on the roadway," said a release from the Worcester Police Department, regarding the accident that occurred around 1:40 a.m. on Sunday. "The 19-year-old female from Leominster was rushed to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries."

The woman was treated and released from the hospital.

Police determined that the woman had been hit while in the roadway by a Ford Taurus — driven by 53-year-old Angel Flores, 53, of Worcester — after reviewing surveillance video and talking to witnesses, according to the release. Flores reportedly parked in a parking lot after hitting the woman, according to police.

When officers approached Flores, they detected a strong odor of alcohol, stated police. Flores was arrested and charged with operating under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury and failure to slow when approaching a pedestrian, according to police.

The accident remains under investigation.

Police have identified the student involved in posting a message on a Facebook page that led to the closing of the Amherst Regional High School and South East Street campus Monday.

Updates stories posted Monday at 9:18 a.m. and at 2:30 p.m.

AMHERST — Police have identified the student involved in posting a message on a Facebook page that led to the closing of the Amherst Regional High School and South East Street campus Monday.

Police will not identify the student, and no charges have been filed. School will reopen on Tuesday.

“The student's parents have been an integral part of this investigation and have taken custody of the student,” Amherst Police Lt. Ronald Young wrote in a press release.

The investigation is ongoing. “Investigators continue to review digital data and interview witnesses,” Young said.

Police will also continue working with the school district “to uncover the facts of the incident and to promote a safe environment for students and faculty,” according to the release.

The school was closed Monday to staff, students and families because of concerns about safety, said Kimberly Stender, of the Community, Partnerships & Volunteers Office of the Superintendent.

“We take any threats of this nature seriously, so yes, an investigation was initiated immediately, and is currently still ongoing,” Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone wrote in an email.

The message that initiated the investigation was posted on the Amherst Regional High School Confessions Facebook page: “tbh im packin modtly (sic) everyday at school. but since im calm and am able to keep my composure noone dies. i have it for protection yet ppl still think they can bully me." TBH means "to be honest."

The page states: “A page for ARHS students to post anything they want 100% anonymously. Hate will be ignored.” The student's posting has been taken down.

Stender said parents have been understanding. "They’re very thankful (for the school’s concerns),” she said.

Superintendent Maria Geryk and high school principal Mark Jackson will meet with parents at 7 p.m. at the Amherst Regional Middle School.

On Tuesday, Jackson will meet with faculty before students arrive. He will then address students on the intercom. According to a press release, he will talk about the chronology of events over the last two days, reassure everyone that safety is the first priority and itemize the steps taken to secure the building.

He will reiterate the importance of "our obligations, as members of the same community, to each other. This includes the importance of coming forward with information when members of our community are in distress," according to the release.

No other Winter Games has faced such an acute terror threat. No other Winter Olympics has been so engulfed in politics. No other recent Olympics has been so closely associated with one man -- Putin, the "captain" of the Sochi team.

Seven years ago, Vladimir Putin traveled all the way to Guatemala to woo Olympic leaders with his grandiose vision: hosting the Winter Games in Russia's little-known Black Sea summer resort of Sochi.

Putin's personal pitch -- delivered partly in English and French -- did the trick as Sochi beat out bids from South Korea and Austria for the right to stage the 2014 Games on the so-called "Russian Riviera."

Putin's political influence and Russia's might bowled over the International Olympic Committee on that day.

It was a risky choice then and it shapes up as even riskier now.

With the opening ceremony less than two weeks away, Putin's prestige and his country's reputation are at stake -- riding on a $51 billion mega-project meant to showcase a modern Russia but overshadowed by a barrage of concerns over terrorism, gay rights, human rights, corruption, waste and overspending.

No other Winter Games has faced such an acute terror threat. No other Winter Olympics has been so engulfed in politics. No other recent Olympics has been so closely associated with one man -- Putin, the "captain" of the Sochi team.

Amid a politically charged atmosphere and ominous security climate, can Putin and Russia deliver a safe and successful Olympics? Can Sochi defy the grim predictions and dazzle the world with well-organized games featuring shiny new venues, picturesque mountains and the world's best winter sports athletes?

Lest we forget, the Olympics are also supposed to be about sports and athletes: Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby and other NHL stars competing for their home countries on the hockey rink; snowboard great Shaun White doing new gravity-defying flips and twists; South Korean figure skating queen Yuna Kim performing graceful magic on the ice; American teen sensation Mikaela Shiffrin zipping through the slalom gates.

About 3,000 athletes from more than 80 countries will be competing in 98 medal events. Twelve new events are on the program, with women's ski jumping making its debut after being rejected for inclusion at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

The medals race is likely to be between Norway, the United States, Canada and Germany. The Russians, coming off their worst ever Winter Games in Vancouver, are determined to bounce back on home territory. A gold medal from the Ovechkin-led hockey team would be the ultimate prize for a country that hasn't won the Olympic title since a "Unified Team" of former Soviet republics triumphed in 1992.

"Olympics are probably the most important thing for Russians," Ovechkin said.

Sochi will also offer up its share of human-interest story lines:

-- the return of the Jamaican bobsled team for the first time since 2002, rekindling the feel-good story of 1988 that inspired the film "Cool Runnings."

-- track and field stars Lolo Jones and Lauryn Williams switching from the Summer Olympics to Winter Games as members of the U.S. women's bobsled team.

-- British-based classical-pop musician Vanessa-Mae trading her violin for a pair of skis to compete for Thailand, her father's native country.

-- and, yes, those wild and crazy pants worn by the Norwegian men's curling team -- red, white and blue zig-zag patterns this time.

For now, the world's focus remains squarely on the terror danger posed by the Islamic insurgency in the Northern Caucasus. An Islamic militant group in Dagestan claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings that killed 34 people in late December in Volgograd and threatened to attack the games in Sochi.

Russian security officials have been hunting for three potential female suicide bombers, one of whom is believed to be in Sochi itself. The suspects are known as "black widows," women seeking to avenge husbands or male relatives killed in Russia's fight against insurgents in the region.

"We know some of them got through the perimeter," said Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. "What we don't know is how many more black widows are out there. ... How many potential cells could be in Sochi and the Olympic Village?"

Russia is mounting what is believed to be the biggest security operation ever for an Olympics, deploying more than 50,000 police and soldiers to protect the games. The cordon includes naval warships, anti-aircraft batteries and drone aircraft. Two U.S. warships will be in the Black Sea to help if needed.

"We will try to make sure that the security measures taken aren't too intrusive or visible and that they won't put pressure on the athletes, guests and journalists," Putin said.

Sochi's preparations have also been clouded by the Western uproar against a Russian law enacted last year that prohibits gay "propaganda" among minors. Critics and gay activists say the law discriminates against homosexuals and could be used against anyone openly supporting gay rights at the games.

Putin has insisted there will be no discrimination of any kind against any athletes or spectators in Sochi, yet his recent comments linking homosexuality and pedophilia have only inflamed the issue.

The IOC, meanwhile, has reminded athletes to comply with "Rule 50" of the Olympic Charter, which forbids protests or political gestures at Olympic venues.

President Barack Obama has seized on the issue by sending a U.S. delegation to Sochi that includes three openly gay members -- tennis great Billie Jean King, figure skater Brian Boitano and ice hockey player Caitlin Cahow.

Hoping to show off a resurgent Russia that emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, organizers have built virtually all Olympic facilities from scratch to turn a decaying, Stalinist-era resort into what they hope will be a year-round tourist destination and winter sports mecca for the region.

Sochi features one of the most compact layouts in Olympic history, with all indoor arenas located close to each other in an Olympic Park along the coast. The cluster of snow venues are about 45 minutes away in the Krasnaya Polyana mountains.

"The venues will be perhaps the most spectacular, the best ever," said senior Norwegian IOC member Gerhard Heiberg, who organized the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer.

The project has come at a monumental cost: the $51 billion price tag, which includes construction of news road, tunnels, rail lines and other long-term infrastructure investments, is a record for any Winter or Summer Games. Billions of dollars have disappeared in kickbacks, embezzlement or mismanagement, critics claim.

"What's not good is all the money that's been spent," said Heiberg, head of the IOC marketing commission. "This could influence very badly cities thinking about bidding for the games."

In spite of all the criticism, IOC members believe the Russians deserve the chance to prove the choice of Sochi was the right one.

"Russia today is not the Soviet Union of 1980," Canadian member Dick Pound said. "They are certainly capable of organizing a Winter Olympics. They have created a winter sports complex out of virtually nothing and they did it in 5-6 years. My guess is they will deliver good games."

Foxwoods previously had a casino proposal rejected by voters in Milford.

Foxwoods Resort and Casino will enter the hunt for a casino license in southeastern Massachusetts, as executives from the Connecticut casino plan to hold a press conference with Fall River Mayor William Flanagan on Tuesday.

Foxwoods and Crossroads Massachusetts secured a host community agreement in Milford, but voters rejected the proposal.

The southeastern region is on a slightly different track than the east and west regions, as the Mashpee Wampanoag are waiting for federal approval to move forward with their application for a casino in Taunton. KG Urban Enterprises wants to build a casino at an old waterfront power plant in New Bedford, and The Claremont Companies has announced hopes to develop a Bridgewater site, though the construction company has not filed an application on its own.

Flanagan’s office said the 10 a.m. press conference in Fall River’s Government Center Tuesday will be to announce the city as the site of a $750 million resort casino. The mayor’s office said no further information would be available before the press conference. The Herald News reported a site in the city has not yet been selected.

Police plan to increase patrols around schools after two men tried to lure a 14-year-old girl into a van Monday morning.

WORCESTER — Police plan to increase patrols around schools after two men tried to lure a 14-year-old girl into a van Monday morning.

"At approximately 7:00 a.m. Worcester police were dispatched to the area of May and Hollywood Streets for a report of two men trying to entice a 14-year-old girl into their van," stated a release from the Worcester Police Department. "Officers searched the area extensively but were unable to locate the vehicle."

The girl was reportedly on her way to the bus stop when a white van pulled up next two her and two men inside demanded she get into the van. When she refused, they showed her a dog inside the van. The girl told police she was afraid of the animal and ran across the street.

The girl told school officials about the incident that is actively being investigated by Worcester police. The suspects are described as two white males, one of them approximately 6-feet-tall with a thin build. The vehicle is described as a white, box-type utility van.

The incident occurred not far from Crystal Street where two teenage girls were allegedly chased by a man as they walked home from school.

Police are urging parents and students to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity. The police department will be increasing patrols during the hours when students are traveling to and from school, police officials said.

If anyone has information about these incidents they can send an anonymous text to 274637 TIPWPD + your message or send an anonymous message on the Worcester police website. Calls can also be made to the Worcester Police Detective Bureau at (508) 799-8651.

43 percent think it’s time to give a new person a chance.

He hasn’t drawn a Republican or a primary challenge so far, but new poll results suggest that U.S. Sen. Edward Markey has failed to gain the type of popularity that could insulate an incumbent seeking re-election.

The MassINC Polling group survey found 43 percent think it’s time to give a new person a chance, while 30 percent said Markey deserves re-election. Twenty-seven percent did not offer an opinion.

“Massachusetts voters haven’t developed a strong attachment to Senator Markey,” said Steve Koczela, president of The MassINC Polling Group. “His initial election was in a low wattage affair with historically low turnout, and many voters apparently haven’t connected with him since.”

Markey was elected last June to the Senate after serving nearly 37 years in the U.S. House. Chosen to replace John Kerry, who resigned from the Senate to become secretary of state, Markey faces re-election this November for a full six-year term.

The MassINC quarterly survey polled 502 residents, including 431 registered Massachusetts voters, from Jan. 22 through Jan. 25 and had a margin of error of 4.4 percent. Of those registered voters surveyed, 34 percent had a favorable view of Markey and 24 percent viewed him unfavorably. Twenty-seven percent knew of Markey but had no opinion, while 14 percent said they did not know the Malden Democrat. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren registered a 53-29 favorable/unfavorable split. Only 6 percent did not know Warren, and 13 percent had no opinion.

More results from the quarterly poll will be released this week.

A review of the Mitt Romney documentary "Mitt"

It's hard not to walk away from a viewing of the new Netflix documentary "Mitt" without feeling some sense of sadness for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.

The film opens in a Boston hotel suite next to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Election Night 2012 when Romney, along with his family, finds out that he is not going to win. Looking back, it's hard to believe that he and and his family were as isolated from political reality as they were, going into a major election. All indications going into Election Day 2012 to anyone paying the slightest level of attention to the race were that Romney was going to lose the electoral vote badly. If political prognosticator Nate Silver says you're going to lose, you're probably going to lose.

Of course, all the polling and projections in the world did not matter if you were fully convinced, as Romney was at points throughout the film, that President Barack Obama was sending the country off a cliff. If you lived and breathed the type of narrative listed in this Washington Post article in 2012, and only consumed media that recycled it, you're still probably trying to wrap your head around how he lost.

"Of course Americans realize how terrible things are! Of course they will see the light and vote for me!" was Romney's line of reasoning even though the reasoning was detached from a good deal of the political data available going into Election Day.

Whether you cared for Romney's politics or not you can't help but feel bad for the isolated, sometimes deluded and yet sometimes keenly aware candidate portrayed in "Mitt" by director Greg Whiteley.

If you go into "Mitt" hoping for back-room strategy sessions you will be gravely disappointed as this documentary does not go into the details you may be looking for. The behind scenes nature of Whiteley's new documentary does not revolve around the often foul-mouthed, mid-level campaign operatives that power a political campaign the way "Inside The Bubble" or "The War Room" does. The focus of the film is true to the title, focusing specifically on Mitt Romney and to a lesser extent his family.

Even though the film revolves around Romney and his family some members of his political inner circle do make appearances. Eric Fehrnstrom, Matt Rhoades, Ed Gillespie, Mike Madden, and Ron Kaufman all show up from time-to-time in the film. However, the advisers are almost always outnumbered by Romney's family in any given scene.

All throughout "Mitt" we are shown a side of Romney that was rarely allowed to see the light of day during his 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. Those who covered the presidential election like myself, or who followed it closely were rarely allowed a glimpse at the real Romney. He was packaged by his campaign in such a way that the likable and dorky family man that was presented in the documentary may as well been a stunt-double.

Where was this Romney during the campaign? Why were we never shown this warmhearted man? The documentary does cause the watcher to question the decision to package the candidate the way he was.

His sons, particularly Josh and Tagg, lament this problem throughout the film. Holding their father in high regard, like most sons do, they can't help but wonder if the campaign and the stress that goes along with it is worth it. All throughout the 2008 footage his sons, as well as his wife Ann, candidly discuss how stressful and taxing it is to run for president. "We cannot do this again," says Tagg after the crucial primary.

At one point Whiteley asks Josh to reflect on whether it's worth it. At first he gives him the stock answer that he would give to a reporter:

"You know, I just think the opportunity for someone like my dad to come in and run the country, and the challenges we face right now in this country, to have someone with my dad's experience, his knowledge, and his vision for America, someone that can, you know, come in and do this. It's worth whatever it takes for us to get my dad into office."

A solid quote that any reporter would eat right up. Josh however admits he doesn't believe a word of it and 'translates' what he said for Whiteley.

"This is so awful. It's so hard. I mean, you always hear about, they talk, they say 'Oh, why can't we just get someone good to run for president?' This is why. This is why you don't get good people running for president. What better guy is there than my dad? Is he perfect? Absolutely not. He's made mistakes. He's done all sorts of things wrong. But for goodness sakes, here's a brilliant guy who's had experience turning things around, which is what we need in this country. I mean, it's like, this is the guy for the moment. And we're in this, and you just get beat up constantly. 'Oh, Mitt Romney's a flip-flopper, he's this, he's that,' and you kinda go, Man, is this worth it? This is awful."

The public perception of Romney as a filthy-rich, cocksure politician is rarely seen in the film. Romney references his father, George Romney, frequently and says that his whole existence is built on his shoulders. He even admits in one point in the film that he views himself as a "deeply flawed" candidate that the public views as "the flippin' Mormon."

Near the outset of the film when the Romneys are gathered in 2006 to discuss a potential presidential run by the family patriarch, an emotional Tagg expresses support for his dad. "If you don't win, we'll still love you. The country might think of you as a laughing stock but we'll know the truth and that's okay," Tagg said.

In the end, the film is about one thing at its core.

Family.

Romney's family shows intense familial devotion to their father during his six year quest to be president and in the end, when he comes up short, they're still there for him.

Romney loses, the hustle and bustle of a national campaign goes away, and in the end it's quiet, solemn, but he still has his loving family right by his side.

Patrick, a lame-duck governor, will take the stage at a time when his administration is facing some difficult challenges. He is likely to focus on his successes in areas such as education and transportation.

BOSTON - Gov. Deval Patrick will deliver his final State of the Commonwealth address on Tuesday night.

Patrick, a Democrat, will speak at 7 p.m. in the House chamber at the Statehouse.

Patrick's mantra throughout his term has been a focus on education, innovation and infrastructure, and the governor is likely to continue to focus on those themes.

Patrick, asked about his speech on Jan. 17, said he will talk about his "strong record" as well as unfinished business.

"I also want to be clear with everybody: we’re going to run through the tape, and that as hard as we run there will still be things that have to be done because there are still people in this commonwealth, as strong as our recovery has been, who are hurting, or are afraid, and we all have a stake in them," Patrick said.

Typically, the governor gives his annual address before releasing his budget proposal, in order to highlight the initiatives he plans to implement in his budget. However, this year Patrick had to delay his speech by a week due to a snowstorm. So lawmakers and the public already got a look at Patrick's priorities for the coming year through the $36.4 billion budget he released last Wednesday.

In his budget, Patrick did not introduce any major new initiatives or tax proposals. His biggest increase was in education spending, with additional money going toward everything from pre-kindergarten to public universities. The budget also proposes additional money for transportation and initiatives to address recidivism.

In an appearance on Boston Public Radio on Thursday, Patrick stressed the importance of education, indicating that it is a topic he is likely to dwell on in his speech. "I think that, frankly, of all of the spending that happens in state budgets, spending on education is the single best dollar that the public spends for our collective better future," Patrick said.

The most controversial part of the budget was Patrick's decision to level-fund local aid, which upset city and town officials. House and Senate lawmakers have said they will consider increasing local aid in their own versions of the fiscal year 2015 budget.

Patrick also made a handful of tax proposals, all of which he has made before, including applying the sales tax to candy and soda and changing the state's bottle redemption law to include bottled water and sports drinks.

The speech comes at a difficult moment for Patrick. He is a lame duck, having said he will not run again when his second term ends at the end of the year. The Department of Children and Families recently fired three people, and is undergoing an independent review, after employees filed false reports and failed to check on a 5-year-old boy, who then went missing. The state's Health Connector website is also undergoing an independent review after attempts to upgrade it to conform with the national Affordable Care Act resulted in serious glitches, which are continuing to make it difficult for people to enroll in new health plans. A chemist at the state drug lab pleaded guilty in November to tampering with evidence for falsifying the results of drug tests, in a case that has potentially tainted thousands of criminal convictions.

At the same time, Patrick is likely to talk about his success in getting the legislature to pass a transportation funding bill last year. Although the bill was not as large as Patrick wanted, it will allow him to fund numerous new transportation projects. He has been moving the state toward funding a greater percentage of public colleges and universities. He recently announced a new initiative to prepare the state for climate change. The Massachusetts unemployment rate has also generally been below the national average, although it recently ticked up to just above the national average.

A recent poll by WBUR and the MassINC Polling Group found Patrick still has a 53 percent approval rating.

Jeffrey Berry, a professor of American politics at Tufts University, said he expects Patrick will focus on progress his administration has made in economic development and education, and will look toward the future. "I expect the governor's speech to be a valedictory where he will remind Massachusetts residents of all that he believes has been accomplished during the past seven years," Berry said. "He's going to claim success and try to frame the speech tonight as a celebration of all that’s been done under his watch."

Patrick will speak hours before President Barack Obama is scheduled to deliver his annual State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.

A tweet sent from the account of state Rep. Carlos Henriquez, the Dorchester representative recently convicted on two assault and battery charges stemming from a 2012 domestic violence incident, asked constituents to express their support of Henriquez to Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

A tweet sent from the account of Rep. Carlos Henriquez, the Dorchester representative recently convicted on two assault and battery charges stemming from a 2012 domestic violence incident, asked constituents to express their support of Henriquez to Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo. The request raises questions about the politician's future plans amid calls for his resignation.

If you live in Roxbury and feel that Carlos has helped the community, email the Speaker to share your support at Robert.Deleo@mahouse.gov

— Carlos Henriquez (@RepHenriquez) January 28, 2014

On Friday, Henriquez was brought to the Statehouse in handcuffs for a closed meeting. The Associated Press noted that on Thursday, the House of Representatives "approved an order allowing the Ethics Committee to require witnesses to appear before it, raising the possibility that Henriquez might be brought in."

Carlos Henriquezmalegislature.gov 

Earlier this month, Henriquez was convicted in Middlesex County on two assault and battery charges stemming from a July 8, 2012 domestic violence incident involving a former girlfriend. He was acquitted of three other charges: a third assault and battery charge, witness intimidation and larceny.

After the conviction, several politicians, including Gov. Deval Patrick and Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo, called on Henriquez to resign. Others joining Patrick and DeLeo include Assistant House Minority Whip Elizabeth Poirier and state Republican Party Chairman Kirsten Hughes.

According to a report by the State House News Service, "If the Dorchester representative does not resign his House seat, House rules include provisions that enable members to move forward with censure or expulsion. Such an effort would need to follow a hearing and vote of the House Ethics Committee."

Henriquez was sentenced to 2.5 years in jail with six months to serve and is expected to appeal. Henriquez's lawyer Stephanie Soriano-Mills told reporters on Friday that Henriquez did not receive a fair trial, and Henriquez has remained mum regarding whether he will resign.

Calls to the offices of Rep. Henriquez and Soriano-Mills were not immediately returned.

Henriquez will reportedly make another appearance on Beacon Hill today.

Town Councilor Amelia Peloquin faces a charge of resisting arrest and two counts of assault for allegedly biting one police officer and spitting on another.

SOUTHBRIDGE — Town Councilor Amelia Peloquin faces two counts of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest after police were called to her home for a reported mental breakdown, according to court documents.

Police were called to 275 Marcy St. on Jan. 22 where Peloquin's mother and her husband told police that the councilwoman was experiencing a breakdown and needed to go to the hospital to have her mental state evaluated, according to a criminal complaint filed in the state district court in Dudley. The family told police that they had noticed changes in Peloquin, elected to town council in June of 2012, over the past few weeks and were concerned about her mental health. Her husband told police that Peloquin had made a series of nonsensical statements and had talked about hurting herself.

When Peloquin began resisting the efforts of officers Matthew Beinema and Luis Torres to try to stand her up, Torres placed her in handcuffs and the two began to escort her out of the apartment door. At that time, Peloquin turned and bit Beinema on the upper arm, breaking through his uniform and skin, and continued to yell as the officers brought her to a waiting police cruiser.

While in the cruiser, Peloquin was able to get one of her wrists free from the handcuffs and began to thrash about in the backseat, banging her head against the cage and punching the window bars, according to the criminal complaint. During this, Peloquin broke her glasses. She refused to come out of the back of the cruiser and had to be forced out by police.

While at the station, she was placed in a secure holding cell and continued to bang her head against the wall and the toilet, injuring herself, before being placed in a restraint chair.

Peloquin was taken by Southbridge ambulance to Harrington Hospital for treatment of her injuries and evaluation, where she told police and medical personnel that she had smoked several drugs: the hallucinogen drug Salvia, marijuana and a type of synthetic marijuana called K2. While at the hospital, Peloquin spit in Torres's face, getting saliva in his eye.

Peloquin has been charged with resisting arrest and two counts of assault and battery on a police officer. She is scheduled to appear in Dudley District Court on Friday, Jan. 31.

MassLive reporter Megan Bard contributed to this report.

Longmeadow, Northampton and Hampden have all petitioned the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for surrounding community designation after their respective talks with MGM fell short of securing a deal.

BOSTON — As MGM Resorts International moves into the final stages of licensing for its proposed $800 million casino in downtown Springfield, three towns and cities in the region made their pitch Tuesday for surrounding community status to receive money to mitigate potential affects from such a project.

A decision on who gets the designation isn't expected for a few weeks, but each petitioning community on Tuesday made lengthy pitches.

Officials representing Northampton, a city approximately 20 miles north of Springfield, reiterated their fears that a rejuvenated downtown Springfield with the MGM project at its core would negatively impact its thriving economy of independently owned businesses.

"Unfortunately the clear, albeit unintended consequence of Springfield's gain will be Northampton's loss. For years, Northampton has been the sole destination in the Pioneer Valley," said Jeffrey Fialky, an attorney representing Northampton. "Whether by design or by effect, the (Springfield development) will compete with Northampton. Its substantial patronage will indeed be cannibalized."

Conversely, MGM has argued that its Springfield project would benefit Northampton, as out-of-town travelers would likely pass through to check out a city with a reputation of being one of the last with such a thriving downtown full of restaurants and entertainment options. Fialky said that in Northampton's view, the argument is one of convenience as MGM has denied the city's requests to be designated a surrounding community.

Mayor David Narkewicz is seen in downtown Northampton earlier this year. Northampton is seeking "surrounding community" status to offset what it claims will be a negative impact from the MGM casino in Springfield.John Suchocki / The Republican file 

Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz said that if there are expected benefits to be had, then there are detriments also associated with the project.

"We believe as an established regional destination, that we will be impacted by this $800 million entertainment facility," he said.

Camoin Associates, the firm hired by Northampton to analyze the potential impact of MGM's Springfield project on the Hampshire County city, said that of the 500,000 annual visitors to the city, a majority are from within a 25-mile driving radius. They expect the casino to cut into the region's discretionary income, resulting in a decrease in business for the city.

When asked by the commission if the expected influx of new tourists to the area would indeed benefit Northampton's businesses, the firm's vice president, R. Michael N'dolo, said gains would not be enough to offset losses, which he expects would result in job losses, businesses closing and a significant drop in hospitality taxes collected.

MGM argued that in its view, Northampton is seeking to have the commission enact "a form of economic protectionism."

11.06.2013 | SPRINGFIELD -- Michael Mathis, vice president of global gaming development for MGM's hospitality division, was named the president of the MGM Springfield project on Jan. 23, 2014 taking over local operations should the company be awarded the sole Western Massachusetts casino license. (Republican Photo by Mark M. Murray) 

Michael Mathis, the incoming president of the MGM Springfield project, said the company has issues with the Camoin report and simply doesn't believe Northampton's assertion that the negative effects would be to the level they are warning of. Additionally, he touted the economic benefits expected to come from the new jobs the casino will create, and how that money would still flow to Northampton, based on its unique offerings, as it does today.

As the town of Hampden was cued up to make its presentation, Gaming Commission member Bruce Stebbins, a former Springfield city councilor, recused himself, citing previous dealings with both Hampden and Longmeadow.

Hampden Board of Selectman Chairman John Flynn said that as the MGM project expects a third of its business to come from Connecticut, he is concerned that a bulk of that would come through the town, which borders Connecticut, into East Longmeadow and on to Springfield.

MGM officials said that most of the Connecticut traffic would come by Interstate 91 right to the casino project, with a small portion coming from the Monson and Stafford, Conn., areas, considering the limited population of those towns.

View full sizeAn artist's rendering released by MGM Resorts International depicting the $800 million resort casino complex they are aiming to build in the South End of Springfield.  

Longmeadow officials' request to receive $1 million up front from MGM to be followed by annual payments of $500,000, with a 2.5 percent annual increase, was wholly rejected by the entertainment company.

Mathis, in a letter previously sent to the Longmeadow Select Board, pointed out that their request was significantly higher than what all other communities had asked for, and he declined to sign a deal.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Longmeadow officials argued that already congested traffic in the wealthy suburb would only get worse with a casino in the city next door.

Brandon Moss, special counsel to the town, said 30 percent of anticipated MGM revenues coming from Connecticut residents would arrive via Interstate 91 and potentially Route 5, entitling that community to money to deal with potential problems along the stretch those highways.

Moss said that Longmeadow (Route 5) and Converse streets, central thoroughfares in the town that frequently back up significantly during peak travel hours, also are reason for concern.

"If there's even a modestly higher demand than forecast, that's going to cause some problems," Moss said, explaining that the town is concerned that without mitigation funds, it won't be able to pay for improvements to infrastructure. "What Longmeadow is seeking here is reasonable."

MGM didn't necessarily argue with Longmeadow's desire to be a surrounding community, but rather took issue with just what exactly its officials had asked for.

Seth Stratton, a Longmeadow-based attorney representing MGM, said that he is a town resident and appreciates the efforts the town is making.

"The town does have traffic issues and they are preexisting. What they are seeking is to have MGM solve its traffic issues," he said. "Traffic will go through Longmeadow, but the percentage is not significant."

MGM officials said since a majority of Connecticut patrons would arrive by I-91, which the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, not the town of Longmeadow, maintains, the mitigation funds the community should get are much less than what they are asking for.

In conclusion, MGM said that it has studied traffic in Longmeadow and it doesn't anticipate any perceivable impact.

Gaming Commission Chairman Steve Crosby said that if municipalities aren't granted surrounding community status, they can still wait to apply for a portion of money to be made available as part of a community mitigation fund which is to be established by the legislation.

That fund, he explained, would make $15 million to $20 million available to communities down the line to address potential impacts from the casino that couldn't be anticipated ahead of its licensing.

Newly elected West Springfield Mayor Ed Sullivan has been negotiating with MGM officials since he took office in January. Although MGM has designated the city a surrounding community, the specific details of an agreement for mitigation funds are still being hashed out. (Don Treeger/The Republican) 

MGM has designated West Springfield as a surrounding community, although a specific agreement is still being hashed out between MGM and the town's newly elected Mayor Ed Sullivan.

Relative to the MGM casino application, the Majestic Theater and the Eastern States Exposition, both of West Springfield, argued in front of the Gaming Commission on Tuesday that they should be classified as impacted live entertainment venues based on the casino operator's entertainment pitch to the city.

Under a marketing arrangement cemented in the host community agreement between Springfield and MGM, the casino company agreed to leverage its standing with entertainment promoters and entertainers themselves to underwrite, co-promote, book and schedule at least four shows each at the MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall and CityStage annually following the opening of the casino.

Danny Eaton, president of the 229-seat Majestic Theater, said that he is concerned that additional offerings by Springfield venues, teaming up with MGM, would devastate his theater. He cited a non-scientific survey of patrons to his theater which concluded that they said it was likely they would frequent such venues, indicating there would be some type of impact.

"For 18 years we've competed fairly, and I think successfully," Eaton said. "We never heard from anyone at MGM until we filed this petition. We do want MGM to succeed. We just don't want them to succeed at our expense."

MGM officials said they don't believe the Majestic Theater should qualify for the status it's seeking because it is too small and typically books local productions and talent, whereas the 400-seat CityStage books regional and national shows. Mathis said that as far as entertainment is concerned, they are more interested in booking shows at Springfield venues that would draw people from outside the market.

Furthermore, Mathis said, MGM would be happy to coordinate calenders to ensure they don't compete with the local theater, and would promote the venue to their employees as a source of local entertainment.

09.10.2013 | WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Tim Maland, president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino New England, left, greets Eugene Cassidy of the Eastern States Exposition after Cassidy addressed the crowd at the Dante Club in West Springfield following the vote that defeated the proposal to develop a casino at The Big E. (Republican Staff Photo by Dave Roback) 

The Eastern States Exposition lost a bid in September to bring a Hard Rock casino to its property in West Side. Its officials previously stated and Tuesday maintained that their concern is that a Springfield casino would eat at the popularity of The Big E fair, which lasts for 17 days at the end of each summer.

The non-profit's CEO, Eugene Cassidy, read a prepared statement to the commission that recounted its storied history and his fears that MGM's entertainment pitch would impact its ability to draw top-notch acts like Brad Paisley and Beyonce, which are "critical to The Big E's existence."

Cassidy also expressed concern that MGM would hold conventions and trade shows, like the ones it discussed booking at the MassMutual Center last week, which would cut into its business.

MGM contended that the protections afforded by the state's designation as an impacted live entertainment venue don't apply to the possibility of MGM snagging some of its trade show business. The company also argued that its live entertainment offerings at Springfield venues wouldn't impact The Big E to the degree Cassidy is concerned it will.

Mathis noted that in 2013, The Big E had record attendance and it was the same calendar year MGM brought Pitbull, the Professional Bull Riders and Boys II Men to Springfield.

"The concept that they can do well, and we can do well, is not mutually exclusive," Mathis said, adding that MGM is willing to negotiate some type of marketing agreement with the Eastern States Exposition going forward.

MGM has successfully negotiated surrounding community mitigation agreements with Ludlow, Agawam, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow and Chicopee. The agreements with Agawam and Chicopee call for each municipality to receive $125,000 up front with annual payments of $150,000. Ludlow, East Longmeadow and Wilbraham are set to receive $50,000 up front with annual payments of $100,000.

In addition to the jobs promised to Holyoke residents in that city's surrounding community agreement, it will receive $50,000 up front and approximately $85,000 annually from MGM.

As with the surrounding community petitions, the Gaming Commission is expected to issue decisions on impacted entertainment venue status claims in the coming weeks.

The towns and cities petitioning Wynn Resorts and Mohegan Sun for surrounding community status in regards to the respective proposals for the greater Boston area casino license begin Tuesday afternoon and conclude on Wednesday.

 

The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Northampton High School auditorium.

NORTHAMPTON — Voters wishing for a closer look at the Democratic contenders running to be the next governor of the commonwealth need look no further than Northampton on Wednesday evening.

Don Berwick, the former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Barack Obama; Juliette Kayyem, a former national security advisor, state Attorney General Martha Coakley, state Treasurer Steven Grossman and Joe Avellone III, a surgeon and former Wellesley selectman; all are slated to appear.

The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Northampton High School auditorium. It is sponsored by the Democratic committees of Amherst, Easthampton, Northampton, Southampton and Sunderland. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved to Feb. 5.

Jim Madigan, director of public affairs programs at WGBY-TV, who moderated debates between the U.S. Senate candidates in 2012 and 2013, will moderate the forum. There will also be a panel of journalists from the Daily Hampshire Gazette, New England Public Radio and WWLP-22.

The forum comes in advance of the Democratic caucuses, which will be held from Feb. 8 through March 2. At the caucuses, activists around the state will pick their delegates to the state's Democratic convention in June. A candidate must get 15 percent of the vote from convention delegates in order to appear on the ballot as a Democrat.

Supporters pledged more than $200,000 over the course of 10 days to fund the purchase of the clock.

DEERFIELD - A historic tall clock, crafted more than a century ago in Boston and believed to have been among the original furnishings of the first brick house in Franklin County, is heading home thanks to the contributions of supporters of Historic Deerfield.

Historic Deerfield announced on Tuesday that the tall clock, which dates back to 1800, was purchased at auction at Sotheby's in New York City on Jan. 25. More than 50 donors pledged more than $200,000 over the course of 10 days to help purchase the clock.

The clock was crafted by Aaron Willard (1757-1844) in Boston and was first owned by Asa Stebbins (1767-1844), of Deerfield.

Sotheby's website reports the auction sale price at $185,000. Pre-auction estimates placed its value between $150,000 and $250,000.

Historic Deerfield called the clock a "race and important piece of history." It "was probably among the original furnishings of (Stebbins') brand-new house built in Deerfield in 1799," the museum said in a press release announcing the purchase.

"It is a very rare opportunity to return an important artifact of the past to its original setting," said Philip Zea, president of Historic Deerfield. "Even more so when you consider that the clock probably left the house right after the Civil War."

Asa Stebbins served as Deerfield's state representative for 11 years. Zea said Stebbins "would have been a knowledgeable modern shopper for such urbane trappings as this clock."

The Stebbins House, in Historic Deerfield, was the first brick house built in Franklin County; a historic tall clock owned by the Stebbins family will be returned to the house for display this spring.Historic Deerfield 

When Stebbins died in 1844, one eight-day clock, valued at $15, was listed in an inventory of the contents for the north parlor of his home provided as part of the documents for his estate, according to Historic Deerfield. The clock is believed to have been moved out of the house after Stebbins death and moved among family members over the past century-and-a-half, said Laurie Nivison, director of marketing.

"It's been in the Stebbins and Wright families for all these years, and it became available as part of an estate sale," she said. "Historic Deerfield felt it very important to bring the clock back home."

The Stebbins house has been open as a museum house since 1950 and features an Asher Benjamin-designed "flying staircase" and molded plaster ceiling.

Zea said the return of the clock "will enhance the story of the Stebbins family and their time in Deerfield."

The clock is exemplative of the Willard family's workmanship. It stands 105 inches and illustrates the Willard brothers' near top-of-the-line model. The Willards sold four models of tall clocks; this example features a superior case attributed to the cabinetmaker Stephen Badlam (1751-1815) of Dorchester Lower Mills, according to Historic Deerfield.

The museum estimated that Stebbins probably paid more than $100 for the clock at a time when common labor was valued at 25 to 50 cents and when the Willards' basic eight-day model "retailed at a still prestigious $60."

The Stebbins tall clock will be on view in the Stebbins House at Historic Deerfield later this spring.

No injuries were reported in the Monday night home invasion in the Boston Road section of Springfield, police said.

File photo | The Republican 

Updates a story posted at 3:35 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD — A 1965 bottle of Crown Royal, 20 oxycodone pills and a small amount of marijuana were among the items taken during a home invasion in the Boston Road neighborhood Monday night.

No injuries were reported in the incident at 70 Garcia St. It was reported about 8:30 p.m.

The 52-year-old victim told police that he was walking out of his bathroom when he was confronted by two suspects wearing masks who demanded firearms and marijuana, Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet, said.

The suspects forced the victim to the basement and forced him to open his safe. Along with the whiskey and oxycodone, the suspects stole cash, a cell phone and 15 Cyclobenzaprine pills, Delaney said.

Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant, according to Drugs.com.

Participants in a forum on Whiskymag,com, asked in 2009 about the value of a 1965 bottle of Crown Royal, were of the opinion that it holds no great value because of its age and that it would be worth essentially the same as a new bottle of Crown Royal.