• 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.

• AIC professors join conference
SPRINGFIELD - Two American International College professors recently presented at a "Society for the Teaching of Psychology" conference.

• Forest Park library ready to show off
In the fall of 1909, eager readers could take a ride on Springfield's electric trolley line to the corner of Belmont Avenue and Oakland Street in the "planned suburban residential community" of Forest Park to the new Forest Park Branch Library.

• Generous 'elves' sought
SPRINGFIELD - The Children's Study Home, a local human service agency, is planning its annual holiday toy drive to provide gifts to local children in need.

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

• 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.

• Service program can lead to lower food bill
SPRINGFIELD - Looking for a way to get quality groceries for less ... without even clipping coupons?

• 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.

• Springfield writer offers up vampires
SPRINGFIELD - As a child, Dawn M. Gray lived in Vermont where, she said, "there was nothing much more to do than to use your imagination."

• 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.

• USO plans food drive
CHICOPEE - The local Pioneer Valley USO, headquartered at Westover Air Reserve Base, is preparing for its holiday food drive for the USO Food Pantry.