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Rob Starkman, Rock 'Em Apparel founder, sports the Kobe 8 Easter socks that are made to go with the Kobe 8 Easter shoe, April 3, 2013, at his Orlando, Florida home where the socks are designed and shipped. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

Passion for socks helps young inventor launch business

Thursday, May 16, 2013

ORLANDO, Fla. — Rob Starkman just wanted a cool pair of socks. As a University of Central Florida student basketball manager with a growing shoe collection in 2011, Starkman was looking for something he could wear to work: gold-and-black gear to match the Knights’ colors. He saw his black-and-white Nike socks as a canvas. Working with his mother over her … 0

Amber Ladley and Macey Faiella at the Eastworks building where they are opening their new business called Knack: the art of clever reuse.

'Creative reuse center' to open in Eastworks Building

Sunday, May 12, 2013

EASTHAMPTON — Amber Ladley and Macey Faiella met 10 years ago when they lived in the same apartment building in Easthampton. A decade later, their friendship and a shared love of creating useful items from what some people might consider trash has brought them back to the city to open a “creative reuse … 0

Amherst bookstore launches pop-up shop for area artisans

Friday, May 17, 2013

AMHERST — A national trend of having temporary stores fill vacant retail spaces arrived in downtown Amherst this month. Food for Thought Books Collective, at 106 North Pleasant St., recently added a pop-up shop selling handcrafted items made by local artists to one section of its retail space. The goal is to increase the diversity of products available in the store and to … 0

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Local Photography »
Cody Baglow, left, and Jonathan Traester of Amherst celebrate after Amherst scores Friday against Northampton during a lacrosse game at Northampton High School. SARAH CROSBY Amherst eliminates rival Northampton from playoff contention
Craig Murdock, Bridge Street School physical education teacher, and second grader C.J. Ryznic take a lap around the playground during recess Wednesday as part of the "Feelin' Good" walking program. Many students run the first two laps for one "punch" on their mile marker card. Twenty punches fills the card and marks five miles completed. KEVIN GUTTING Running buddies
About 350 people attended the annual Health and Safety Fair held Thursday at the Northampton Senior Center. The event offered information about the services and resources — including respite, adult day programs, and in-home care — that are available in this area. Those who attended were also able to learn about specific health conditions; here, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School student Paige Petersen of Huntington, 16, checks a blood pressure reading for Janice Cromack of Hadley. SARAH CROSBY Getting a checkup
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