Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • Although the sale of cards benefiting UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund) had been hurt in some areas by the anti-Zionist resolution passed recently by the U.N. General Assembly, those selling the cards in the Northampton area do not think card sales will be greatly affected here. Barbara McGarrah of the United Nations Association of Amherst said Friday that UNICEF is a nonpolitical organization that benefits the children of the world.
  • Santa Claus and his elves —Jingles, Impy, Sparkie, and Twinkle — have notified Park Supt. Brian Elliott that they will again set up his regional workshop at the cabin by the lake in Look Memorial Park beginning Dec. 10. The elves will be busily making the millions of gifts and toys needed for Santa’s round-the-world trip on Christmas Eve.

25 Years Ago

  • The holiday season gets into full swing in Northampton this weekend with the lighting of the tree in Pulaski Park on Saturday. The traditional lighting of the evergreen will bring holiday shoppers and area families together for a visit from Santa Claus.
  • Nearly three dozen artists and cultural programs will receive $35,108 in backing from the Northampton Arts Council in the coming year. This is the fourth year the council was able to award an extra $15,000, based on fundraising it conducts that qualifies it for additional support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

10 Years Ago

  • The demolition of the former Aqua Vitae Restaurant, closed since 2008, and neighboring vacant buildings at the intersection of Bay Road and Russell Street began Tuesday to make way for a planned Pride gasoline station and store. Associated Building Wreckers of Springfield is conducting the work and will be demolishing the buildings and removing the debris.
  • Joining a swelling national debate about admitting displaced Syrians, city councilors will consider a resolution at their Thursday meeting outlining Northampton’s commitment to welcoming refugees. Evoking Northampton’s diverse immigrant history, the resolution affirms the city’s responsibility to refugees, as mandated by federal law, and calls on municipal departments, as well as local businesses and agencies, to help refugees become a part of the community.