Around Plainfield: Volunteer firefighters in high gear

At its annual meeting this month, the Plainfield Volunteer Firefighters Association elected officers and approved $2,700 worth of purchases, including a new chain saw and a device to help draw water into the department's pumper on the new fire engine.

Around Plainfield: As Veterans Day nears, reflections in Plainfield abound

Edward H. Kohn, one of the town's 35 veterans, fought as a Marine during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Like other veterans, when Veterans Day - which is Wednesday - comes around, he finds himself reflecting on that service, even if partly because he is prodded by a reporter.

Around Plainfield: Homespun talent entertains at potluck

Move over David Copperfield, there's a young magician in town wowing audiences with his wizardry.

Dylan Wooldridge, age 7, demonstrated his sleight-of-hand card tricks at the talent show held at the Town Hall last Saturday night. Cool as a cucumber, he also performed coin tricks.

Hilltown CDC sets series of planning meetings

Over the next four weeks, residents of the seven Hilltowns will have a chance to come together for public meetings aimed at setting priorities for community projects, acquiring grant funding to support them and gathering input from local residents.

Margot Locke, was Country Journal publisher

PLAINFIELD - Margaret (Margot) C. Locke, 81, of 137 Pleasant St., a longtime editor, publisher, and graphic designer of community newspapers, died Sept. 27, 2009, at home in the arms of her children after a short illness.

Karen Hathaway services

PLAINFIELD - Karen G. Hathaway, 57, of Altadena, Calif., and Plainfield, passed on to her Lord on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009. She was the daughter of Anna R. and the late Norton L. Hathaway of Plainfield. A graveside burial will be held on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 at 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at Plainfield Congregational Church.

Plainfield church gets new minister

For almost two years while the Plainfield Congregational Church search committee was searching for a minister, Henry Burton Whiteside was driving past the church on Route 116 on his way to work as an acupuncturist in his Pittsfield office.

These days, he no longer drives past the church. He's the new minister.