■For the seventh year, students at Smith’s Vocational High School are ready and willing to provide free labor for construction of a home in the Northampton area. But Superintendent B. Stanley Dowgert reports that this year nobody wants a home.
■Over 300 University of Massachusetts streakers darted through the Southwest Dormitory Complex shortly after 9 p.m. last night, failing to break the world’s streaking record despite their stark determination. The group’s attempt did not break the University of North Carolina’s streaking record of 400.
■The Magical Winds Center for the Healing Arts has opened on Maple St. in Florence. Owner Judith Prevost has recently completed the 919-hour Stillpoint Program at Greenfield Community College, which includes Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, trigger-point and sports massage, hydrotherapy and Trager-style rocking.
■Most of the 150 workers at the Jahn Foundry in Springfield are back on the job, a week after an explosion ripped through the brick building killing one worker and critically injuring 11 others. Seven workers remained hospitalized in critical condition Thursday with severe burns. Four others had improved enough to be moved out of intensive care.
■Tim Driscoll, 58, is this year’s James Brennan Award winner, chosen for his dedication and involvement in efforts to preserve Irish heritage. Driscoll, a longtime resident of Northampton, has been a member of the St. Patrick’s Association since 1989.
■A five-year, $13 billion transportation bond bill approved by the Senate this week includes millions in funding for rail improvements that could provide for commuter train service between Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield. Sen. Stanley Rosenberg called the inclusion of rail service “a significant step in the right direction. I am excited about the future of rail in our region.”