■Miss Mae Meehan, 87 Lake St., former Leeds School principal, died last night in Middletown, Conn, where she had been on vacation. In 1931 she began her career in the Northampton school system, first teaching at Mount Tom, and later, at Bridge Street School, Vernon Street, Bay State, and Leeds. After acting as principal of Leeds for 16 years, she retired in 1969.
■County Commissioner Hiram H. Brownell, who has held that office since 1938, announced today that he will not seek re-election. Brownell’s decision not to run leaves Fred B. Grinnell the only Republican candidate in the race. Other candidates for the post are attorney Janet Dugan of Amherst, and David B. Musante and David P. Sullivan, both of Northampton, all Democrats.
■After months of preparation, Coca-Cola USA of Atlanta yesterday announced an Aug. 14 opening date of its Northampton plant. Coca-Cola bought the Mid-Atlantic Canners Association Inc. plant, in the Industrial Park, to produce a line of pasteurized, non-carbonated juice drinks, including PowerAde, Nestea and Fruitopia, for distribution in the Northeast.
■A veritable bonanza of things equine will be celebrated this weekend, when the Regional 4-H Horse Show celebrates 10 years at the Three-County Fairgrounds. More than 150 riders and their mounts from five counties will occupy the grounds tonight through Sunday, showing off their best stuff in showmanship, jumping, Western seat, gymkhana, dressage and carriage driving.
■As part of ongoing efforts to bring in more cash, Smith College is converting the Smith College Club into a conference center. This summer and fall the college is installing an air conditioning system and wireless Internet access to make the three-floor dining and meeting space, also known as the Faculty Center, more attractive to organizers both on campus and off.
■Greenfield Community College has no money this year to help high school students who want to take a course or two at the community college, because the state has cut that funding in this year’s budget. “Obviously, it is a disappointment that the state is not able to afford the dual enrollment program,” said the school’s president Robert Pura.