■The English flu, a brand new flu sickness hitting communities nationwide, is expected to spread throughout Massachusetts, including Hampshire County, before the end of the winter season. The English flu or virus is reported to have come into the United States from air corps personnel flying in from England.
■A national day of mourning for former President Harry S. Truman will be observed Thursday and state and federal offices will be closed for the day. In Northampton, both the city and Florence stations of the post office will be closed.
■Dr. Seuss, the author who became a literacy and cultural icon, has never had a shortage of fans. But this week, former first lady Barbara Bush unabashedly admitted her love of the work of the children’s author. In doing so, Bush lent her support and influence to raising funds for the Dr. Seuss National Memorial planned for Springfield.
■If snow and ice don’t collapse it this winter, the ShowPlace Theater in Greenfield, once a landmark and home to vaudeville performers, will have a date with the wrecking ball in March. The building was constructed in 1913.
■Any and all who thought the holiday was going to pass by without a warm meal or good company were cordially invited to the annual Manna Christmas meal at Edwards Church. For six years, the nonprofit soup kitchen has prepared a full holiday meal with all the trimmings for those down on their luck or without nearby family to share the day with.
■After 28 years of putting it together, the Northampton Center for the Arts will no longer sponsor First Night after this year, leaving the future of the annual arts and entertainment event uncertain. The Center for the Arts, which will be forced to leave its Main Street location by the end of next June, is facing an uncertain future itself.