■About 30 members of a five-college third-world organization picketed the Administration Building of Smith College yesterday protesting the dismissal of two instructors in the department of Hispanic studies. Carrying signs which read, “Your racist oppression will not go without notice” and “Racists — your demise is near,” picketers were also protesting racism on the campus, according to a spokeswoman who chose to remain anonymous.
■A kite-flying contest set for Sunday will never have a chance to get off the ground, as it has been canceled due to a lack of response, says David Connly, chairman of the Bay State Recreation Committee. Connly said that youngsters were not enthusiastic because only ribbons were offered as prizes.
■A dean at Smith College has been selected to assume a new, high-level post at the school as chief of public affairs and public relations officer. B. Ann Wright, who has been dean of enrollment management at Smith since 1991, assumes her new post July 1.
■Penelope G. Kim, 60, is leaving as director of the Office of Planning and Development after 10 years. Kim told the mayor this week that she will retire at the end of June, leaving her post six months earlier than originally planned.
■After nearly two years debating and planning how to spend a portion of a bequest of more than $500,000, the Jones Library is ready to recognize a late Shutesbury couple with the refurbishing of a community room that will be named in their honor. Benefactors Richard and Nathalie Woodbury’s names will adorn the room upon its completion.
■After nearly a half-century photographing the Pioneer Valley and the people who live here, Gazette photographer Gordon Daniels was honored this week by the New England Society of Newspaper Editors as its 2012 Master Photographer. Daniels, 69, said his first Gazette photo, shot in 1966, was of the newly elected Northampton City Council.