• 100 years before, grandfather became a citizen
It's difficult to comprehend that my time is drawing near and retirement will be the defining moment of my career as an associate justice to the Superior Court, "The Court," as we justices like to refer to it.

• Balance and bone strength targeted
GRANBY - "To the right, to the left and up and down for one," Gloria J. Vivier said while starting off a recent osteoporosis weight training class for seniors at the Phin's Hill Manor community center.

• Book it: This pig wants kids to read
HOLYOKE - Principal Ellen D. Jackson will do anything to get her kids to read - swine flu or no swine flu.

• Dance program in the style of Isadora Duncan
HOLYOKE - Dancers trained in the modern dance style of the renowned Isadora Duncan will make a return visit to Holyoke's Wistariahurst Museum for performances on Saturday and Sunday.

• Engraving machine donated
HOLYOKE - Signature Engraving Systems has presented the Boys & Girls Club of Holyoke with a gift that will keep on giving.

• Helping vets transition back into homelife
HOLYOKE - Sealed into a cauldron of combat and high-alert readiness for seven months in a foreign country, then shipped home to a life of waiting in line at the post office and "What's for dinner?" ordinariness.

• Meteor shower set to light up autumn night
Have you ever wanted to catch a "falling star?"

• Mont Marie project begun
HOLYOKE - The Sisters of St. Joseph broke ground for the St. Joseph Residence at Mont Marie on Oct. 27.

• Query from Europe seeks photograph
The new Museum of Springfield History is now open. If you are or were a longtime resident of Springfield, a visit to this site will provide a delightful experience.

• Siblings of disabled children topic of Friday workshop
Fifty-five years ago, five young mothers of children with developmental disabilities formed the Association for Community Living to advance their view that their children had the same rights to live and grow in their communities as other children.

• Snap, crackle, pop goes computer
For anyone who may have noticed, I was missing in action for a couple of weeks.

• Staff photos by DAVE ROBACK
Since the Museum of Springfield History opened its doors on Oct. 10, the public has had the chance to relive more than 150 years of local history.

• Teachers expand language techniques
HOLYOKE - The 43rd Massachusetts Foreign Language Association conference was held in Sturbridge and offered local teachers an opportunity to advance their skills, collaborate with other teachers, purchase classroom materials and learn new techniques to improve instruction.