Jim Bridgman

50 Years Ago

  • Xanthophyll, carotene and anthocyanin are bustin’ out all over. And while their names may be virtually unpronounceable, this chemical trio is responsible for the splashes of yellow, orange and red which cover the landscape of the Pioneer Valley. The foliage is about to reach its colorful peak.
  • The break-in late Thursday or early Friday at the United Way probably netted thieves less than several hundred dollars, Fritz Heinemann, United Way president, said last night. “What confounds me is that all the desks and especially mine were ransacked. My personal files, including correspondence with Archibald MacLeish and Bob Hope, were disturbed. The thieves made a mess more than anything else,” Heinemann said.

25 Years Ago

  • In a series of workshops, poetry readings, benefit dances and concerts, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center Project of Western Massachusetts is marking National Coming Out Week, which runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13. Christine Dutton, event coordinator for the community center, located in the Old School Commons on New South Street, said this year’s Coming Out Week plans include many activities of a celebratory nature.
  • This morning and Sunday afternoon, in the hours following the first U.S.-led strikes on Afghanistan, area residents expressed fear of more terrorism, and many said they believed the military action was a just and appropriate response. At coffee shops early this morning, many people said they believe the United States government had done all it could diplomatically before launching air strikes yesterday and almost all are expecting some kind of retaliation in return.

10 Years Ago

  • A longtime Daily Hampshire Gazette editor was honored Thursday with one of New England’s top journalism awards. Stanley W. Moulton received the Bob Wallack Community Journalism Award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association at a conference in Natick. Only one such honor is bestowed yearly in the six New England states.
  • Hatfield Select Board Chair Patrick J. Gaughan will retire from the post in late November after serving in various town positions for more than two decades. He is stepping down from the position at the recommendation of his doctor, who cited the stressful nature of the work.