• Bay Path prepares for farsical 'Phantom'
LONGMEADOW - Bay Path College received some unexpected help when planning its newest musical production of "The Phantom of the Country Opera."

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

• Diversity important to St. Mark's rector
EAST LONGMEADOW - He can switch from speaking English to Spanish fluently in one sentence, can discuss his love of the Red Sox and his passion for helping the poor with equal enthusiasm and can go from being silly to serious in a matter of seconds. The Rev. J. Peter Swarr has brought a vibrant energy to St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Porter Road.

• Federal grant, foundation grant to aid senior projects
SUFFIELD - The town will receive a $125,000 federal grant through the Community Development Block Grant program to help make repairs to the Bridge Street Senior Housing complex.

• 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.

• Luncheon to honor retired district chief
SUFFIELD - A longtime firefighter who recently hung up his helmet after 50 years with the Suffield Fire Department will be honored with a special lunch Nov. 14.

• 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.

• Training changes 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.

• United Way volunteer opportunities abound
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 all students can achieve