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Florence

Margaret Riddle, center, who is retiring as principal of R.K. Finn Ryan Road School in Florence, smiles during a farewell party at the school Thursday as Adrian Heal, left, and his daughter, Adalia, a first grader at the school, applaud along with a hundreds of others. JERREY ROBERTS

Farewell picnic held for retiring Principal Margaret Riddle at R.K. Finn Ryan Road School

Thursday, June 13, 2013

NORTHAMPTON — A steady downpour did not deter a farewell picnic late Thursday afternoon for Margaret “Margie” Riddle, who is retiring this month after more than three decades with the city schools — the past seven as principal of R.K. Finn Ryan Road School in Florence. Students, parents and teachers happily trooped into the elementary school gym, where they spread … 0

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES AULT The film crew in Ghana

Documentarian James Ault produces films exploring the growth of Christianity in Africa

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

In a pair of recently released documentaries titled “African Christianity Rising,” local filmmaker James Ault explores the rapid growth of Christianity in Africa, where believers have made the practice of their religion uniquely their own. Ault’s films highlight the changing face of Christianity worldwide, demonstrating the dramatic growth of the Christian religion in … 0

HEADING OUTDOORS

Friday, June 7, 2013

∎ e_STnS Cycling for Seniors — All Out Adventures and Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation offer a program on the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Hadley for ages 60 and up on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Fee: $5. For more information call 584-2052, or email info@alloutadventures. ∎ e_STnS Yankee Rowing Club — Free rowing/sculling lessons today from 9 a.m. to noon, Sportsman’s Marina, … 0

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Patricia Gillepsie practices cantering with her horse at Stone Pony Farm in Leverett on June 16, 2013. She has been riding horses since 1989. AYRIKA WHITNEY Cantering in Leverett
Center, from left: Sarah Dobrow, Sage Loomis, Heather Giguere JERREY ROBERTS Your Time: Childs Park, Northampton
Out for a ride
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RICHARD and NOREEN BEEBE

Beebes celebrate 50th

Friday, October 26, 2012

Richard and Noreen (Murch) Beebe of Florence celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary among friends and family at a reception hosted by their son, Charles Beebe, and daughter, Sherri (Beebe) Acevedo, in Westfield on Oct. 20. The Beebes were … 0

Naming the Baby

Friday, November 2, 2012

DION — Colin Alexander, son of Jed Dion and Aliza Porth of Florence, was born Oct. 17 at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. The maternal grandparents are Geraldine Gastone of Huntington and Siegfried Porth of Florence. The paternal grandparents are Michael and Debra Dion of Florence. McCOOL … 0

Robert Jekanowski

Sunday, October 28, 2012

FLORENCE — Robert P. Jekanowski, 73, of Florence, passed away Friday, Oct. 26, with his loving family by his side. Born in Hadley, April 30, 1939, he was the son of the late Jacob and Mary (Gwosdik) Jekanowski. … 0

Naming the Baby

Friday, October 26, 2012

BARNES — Lukas Alexander, son of Lawrence and Krystal (Baranoski) Barnes of Florence, was born Sept. 23 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. The maternal grandparents are Kathleen and Edward Baranoski of Hatfield. The paternal grandparent is Mary Ellen Barnes of Cheboygan, Mich. The maternal great-grandparents are Kathleen … 0

Florence Rag Shag parade gets lift from Great Pumpkin and a few scarecrows

Monday, October 22, 2012

Florence is known for observing the holidays in grand fashion. Come Christmas, the village puts up an elaborate light display, plans a parade and ferries Mr. and Mrs. Claus about town. Its annual Rag Shag parade on Halloween draws children from all corners of Northampton. And this year, … 0

Fellow poets remember Carl Russo, co-founder of Florence Poets Society

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NORTHAMPTON — Carl Russo was an entertainer, inspiration and poetry lover who “wanted to help everyone find their poetic voice,” in the words of Tom Clark, with whom Russo co-founded the Florence Poets Society. Russo, a longtime lawyer … 0

Heading Outdoors

Friday, October 19, 2012

∎e_STnSNCYF Run for Kids — Northeast Center for Youth and Families sponsors 2nd annual 5K run, two-mile walk and kids fun run today; loop route through Easthampton beginning and ending at the Center, 203 East St., Easthampton. Walk at 9:45 a.m.; 5K run at 10 a.m.; kids fun … 0

Emma Kelty and Damian Stephen get married ar the Garden House at Look Park in Florence, MA on Friday July 27, 2012

Emma Claire Kelty & Damian Greear Stephen

Friday, October 19, 2012

Emma Claire Kelty and Damian Greear Stephen of Brighton were married July 27 at the Garden House at Look Memorial Park in Florence. Michael Turvey, a University of Connecticut professor, now retired, officiated at the 5:30 p.m. ceremony. … 0

Howard Goulette of Florence sentenced to 2½ years in jail on charges of attempting to entice 10-year-old girl and failing to register as a sex offender

Thursday, October 18, 2012

NORTHAMPTON — A 60-year-old Florence man was sentenced to 2½ years in jail after admitting he tried to lure a 10-year-old girl with offers of money in the hopes of bringing her home. Howard Goulette Jr. of 29 North Main St. pleaded guilty Thursday before Hampshire Superior Court … 0

World Eye Bookshop owner Jessica Mullins opens new, second store on Main Street, Florence

Friday, October 5, 2012

FLORENCE — Jessica Mullins wants customers to know that the opening of a new World Eye Bookshop location on Main Street doesn’t mean the original location in Greenfield is going anywhere. Mullins describes the new store as a “daughter store” to the larger, Greenfield location which has been … 0

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