The water tower of the Necco factory in Cambridge was painted to resemble a package of Necco Wafers. Photo/Jill Robidoux-Wikimedia Commons

Necco’s sweet journey into creating classic candies began in Boston

By Sharon Oliver, Contributing Writer BOSTON - Penny candies were the norm dating as far back as the Great Depression and the mere mention of...
A longtime champion of Irish music and culture in Boston through his WGBH radio show, Brian O’Donovan died of cancer in October. Photo/Meredith Nierman courtesy of WGBH

Irish music fans mourn the loss of radio host Brian O’Donovan

By Brett Peruzzi, Managing Editor A longtime champion of Irish music and culture in Boston through his WGBH radio show, Brian O’Donovan died of...
The iconic clock at Filene’s flagship store at Boston’s Downtown Crossing was a popular rendezvous point for generations of Massachusetts residents.

Filene’s was a pioneer in discount department store history

By Sharon Oliver, Contributing Writer BOSTON - Long before there were suburban shopping centers or malls, consumers took to the downtown areas of major cities...
Peter Maybay, left, and Jeanne Wickson, relatives of Michael Blanchette, listen to presentations made during the second annual Medal of Liberty/Medal of Fidelity ceremony on Nov. 9 at the Marlborough Senior Center. Michael Blanchette was killed in Vietnam in 1970; his portrait is on the table.

Marlborough honors fallen veterans with Medal of Liberty

By Maureen Sullivan, Contributing Writer MARLBOROUGH – Jeanne Wickson remembers babysitting Michael Blanchette. “He had such a sense of humor,” she said. Blanchette’s cousin, Peter Maybay, recalled...
After closing six years ago, Boston’s legendary Jacob Wirth restaurant will be reopening soon after extensive renovations are completed.

Boston’s Jacob Wirth restaurant set to let the good times roll again

By Sharon Oliver, Contributing Writer BOSTON - Over the years, Boston-area residents have mourned the loss of their favorite dining establishments time and time again,...
Malden native Norman Greenbaum, who in 1969 released “Spirit in the Sky,” one of the most enduring hits of classic rock radio, is still performing. Photo/Shutterstock

Malden native Norman Greenbaum is still singing about that ‘Spirit in the Sky’

By Brett Peruzzi, Managing Editor MALDEN - In late 1969, singer-songwriter Norman Greenbaum’s record company released his song “Spirit in the Sky.” More than half...
Waterville Valley has plenty of winter activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing. Photo/Submitted

Waterville Valley is a multi-generation destination with more than just skiing

By Sandi Barrett, Contributing Writer Waterville Valley has plenty of winter activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing.Photo/Submitted WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH - Unplug, connect with family, and...
The championship-winning 1973 football team gather on Dec. 1, 50 years after defeating East Longmeadow to win the Super Bowl and finish undefeated. (Photo/Evan Walsh)

Algonquin’s championship-winning football team returns to campus 50 years later

By Evan Walsh, Contributing Writer NORTHBOROUGH – They’re known as the Algonquin Titans, but Richard ‘Dick’ Walsh is perhaps the titan of Algonquin. The 92-year-old Northborough...
Dr. Bruce Cohen works with one of his fitness clients.

Exercise physiologist accepts no excuses for not exercising

By Matt Robinson, Contributing Writer REGION - As people recover from holiday-inspired indulgence and prepare for the year ahead, one of the most popular promises...
The Bedford Papa Gino’s location features its classic look with the colors of the Italian flag prominently displayed on the façade.

Papa Gino’s started as a by-the-slice pizzeria in East Boston

By Sharon Oliver, Contributing Writer The Bedford Papa Gino’s location features its classic look with the colors of the Italian flag prominently displayed on...