50 Years Ago
*Michele Frenier, 10, will hold a backyard fair Wednesday at her home on Sherman Ave. to benefit the Leukemia Society of America. Games at the fair will include “shave the balloon” and “penny pitch.” Popcorn, cookies and other refreshments will be served. Assisting in the fair will be Ralph McDonald, Heidi Preble, Kyle McDonald and Jane Barcome.
*Some parts of the proposed renovation plan for Pulaski Park will probably have to be eliminated if the city is going to be able to pay for the project, a planning department staff member said yesterday after a consultant reported that the renovation could cost as much as $100,000.
25 Years Ago
*Smith College has pledged more than 25 used computers to Northampton High School, a donation school officials say will preserve 50 new machines that had been threatened by cuts to the technology budget in the high school renovation project. Robert Hanna, the director of school technology, had marked 50 new computers for elimination last month, after the Building Committee told him his $1 million technology budget would be cut by $75,000.
The Northampton High School Building Committee this week voted to spend $3,500 for two more sprinting lanes on the athletic track. “It’s like putting frosting on the cake. The cake was already there,” said Jeffrey Boudway, the school’s athletic director, who lobbied for the optional expense.
10 Years Ago
*Freshly sworn-in Fire Chief Duane Nichols said Monday he would ride on the enthusiasm and energy of his department and work with city leaders to increase community outreach and education. Nearly 100 people gathered in the garage of the Northampton Fire Department to embrace Nichols’ leadership, including firefighters from all corners of Hampshire County, city officials, friends and family.
*Within the next 45 days, Pride Stores will submit a plan to build a Super Pride Gas Station on the site of the former Aqua Vitae restaurant and some neighboring properties, according to Pride founder Bob Bolduc. The planned gas station will include a food store with a drive-thru window.
