Gazette Sports Editor Milton H. Cole is scheduled to be released from the Springfield Medical Center today after surgery last night to repair injured fingers on his right hand. Cole injured his fingers while working in his basement workshop at his home in Florence. He is reported to be in good condition and is expected to eventually have the full use of his fingers.
Sponsored
The Knox Trail marchers are expected to end their 17-day journey tomorrow on schedule in Cambridge with closing ceremonies at 11:45 a.m. All 35 participants who started out on the trek Jan. 11 at Alford have stayed with the group, according to the Massachusetts Bicentennial Commission, sponsor of the Massachusetts leg of the trip.
25 Years Ago
Almost one out of every five new Massachusetts teachers who accepted big signing bonuses only lasted a year in their positions, according to a published report. The Boston Herald said Friday that of 59 teachers who accepted the state’s $8,000 signing bonuses, 12 quit or were not rehired at the end of the 2000 school year.
The search is on for volunteers to drive the “senior taxis” that ferry the city’s elderly citizens to medical appointments and pharmacies. Beth Altimari, who coordinates volunteers for the Council on Aging, said this winter the pool of drivers has shrunk from eight people to four, limiting transportation for seniors.
10 Years Ago
With concerns about whether the Town Common in downtown Amherst can safely accommodate the Extravaganja rally, which drew between 6,000 and 8,000 people last year, interim Town Manager David Ziomek told the Select Board Monday that he will not issue a permit to the University of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition to stage its 2016 event on the public site.
Amherst College’s unofficial “Lord Jeff” mascot, based on controversial historical figure Lord Jeffery Amherst, was discussed at a trustees’ meeting last week, but the college is still silent on whether there will be a change. College spokeswoman Caroline Hanna said she expected there would be a statement about the mascot sometime this week.