• A big tipper reaches his tipping point
Igo to New York City several times a year.

• Danny Boyle run raises $20,000 plus
Her husband may have passed away more than a year ago, but make no mistake: Debbie and Danny Boyle are still a team.

• Granby Scout Tyler Neveu donates picnic tables
GRANBY - If aspiring Eagle Scout Tyler Neveu had his way, his Eagle Scout project would not even be written about.

• Holyoke welcomes back boxing
This city will once again become a mecca for boxing and it will all happen with two events this month.

• In Massachusetts, record can't be expunged
Editor's note: This is the latest in a series of monthly columns that addresses readers' questions on legal topics. Please send your questions to Ask the Experts, Plus Papers, The Republican, P.O. Box 2350, Springfield, MA 01102-2350 or e-mail to plus papers@repub.com with "Ask the Experts" in the subject line.

• Nun raises awareness of human trafficking
HOLYOKE - If we think one person can't do much, we would be wrong. Just talk to Sister Constance Gemme, a missionary sister of Our Lady of Africa, and discover what one person can do to change the world.

• Rehab Reunion a morale booster
HOLYOKE - As old friends enter the room, everyone looks them up and down to see how much they've changed. But at this reunion, everyone hopes their old friends look better than ever. And, they do.

• Rescue groups completing 'families'
PALMER - Local animal rescue groups here and in Chicopee are giving dogs, cats and other small animals a new lease on life by matching them up with families looking to adopt pets.

• Scholarships linked to blood drive efforts
WEST SPRINGFIELD - High school seniors looking for college scholarships will have another option as Bob's Discount Furniture is offering money for students who have made large contributions to their high schools' blood drives.

• Teen volunteer really stacks up
SOUTH HADLEY - When it comes to volunteering at the South Hadley Public Library, 17-year-old Patrick M. Larrow is the tops.

• Training aims to change negatives to positives
Ireceived a call from one of my favorite people, Karlene Shea from Multi-Cultural Community Services, who is an inspiring disabilities advocate.

• Volunteer opportunities
Here is a partial list of volunteer opportunities offered by agencies of the United Way of Pioneer Valley for November. People interested should contact these agencies directly. For more, go online to

• We must believe in all students
At a recent conference of college admission professionals I attended a presentation in which the discussion was on a different type of gap in the education world - that which is called the belief gap.