NYE 5K Fun Run

I realize New Years Eve feels like ancient history by now, but I've been too busy enjoying my three weeks of R&R to mention it here. In any event, I wanted to report that this year's NYE Midnight 5K Fun Run turned out to be good fun for all who braved it. I realize a 3.2 mile run at 12:02 a.m. in the middle of the winter may not be your idea of 'fun', but it actually is pretty cool. Started three years ago by Greg Saulmon and Mary Franck, of Easthampton, the run kicks off right after the hokey ball drop from the roof of the Brass Cat. The route proceeds down Adams and through the back streets of Easthampton past EastWorks, finishing up with a flourish onto Union to the dark and understated finish line in front of Mt. Tom's on Cottage Street. I know it may not sound like the safest 5K you've ever heard of (hence the emphasis on 'fun run'), but running at midnight, particularly at the very beginning of a shiny new year, is actually surprisingly invigorating. I dare you to join us next year.

The first year of the run had four participants. The second, seven. This year, through the tireless organizing and publicizing efforts of Kris Potasky and a cool donation of t-shirts by Todd Potasky and Valley Kitchens, there were 25 runners. Nice!

And although it's meant to be a run and not a race, we didn't want anyone taking any chances to win a prize (a $25 giftcard for, you guessed it, Mt. Tom's), we did have a winner. Phil Bricker, of Northampton, took home the prize. The rest of us got cool t-shirts. Congrats to Phil and all the other runners. All I know is I didn't even see him after the first turn.

Thanks to all the hearty souls who came out for it. I hope to see y'all again next year, and hopefully an even bigger field. Finally, a giant thanks to Clay Crow for donating his time and creativity to create the great graphics for the T's....

Hope you're having a good New Year so far.

Winter Photo Show @ the Chamber

Just hung a show at the recently renovated Easthampton Chamber of Commerce office. It includes images of local winter scenes such as the view above from the front of the ever-cool and casual Brass Cat pub. If you're wandering by the Chamber office on Union Street, I hope you'll check it out. You can see most of it through the windows, but Denise and Eric are good people so feel free to wander in. While you're there you can stock up on all the local brochures. The show will be up until early March.

While we're on the topic of my photography, check out the very slick new Easthampton Website, designed by Bill Tuman. Hit refresh on your browser to see more images...

Game On!

Well, my 23 days of leisure are now in the record books, and it's game on here in scoopville. It was a great break, and I'm feeling rested, refreshed, and ready for another (hopefully) great year. The last excursion during my winter hiatus was a quick but fun trip to Georgia to visit a good buddy of mine from B.IC. (before ice cream). Here's his very cool daughter Mallory, in full princess regalia, inviting you back to Mt. Tom's for all your favorite homemade ice cream, candy, gourmet chocolate, and coffee drinks.

I hope all is well, and you're staying warm. No sign of major snowstorms, but it sure is cold enough. Alas, this is life in New England in January.

In any event, just wanted to drop a line to let you know I'm back and in full operation once again.

Hope all is well.

Jim

ps. In a shameless bit of self-promotion, I casually ask for your vote, if you feel so inclined...
http://www.valleyadvocate.com/ballot/index.cfm?pid=38 Thanks in advance.

2 Nephews & a Blowfish.

Mid-break and all is well. Just returned from a relaxing week in sunny Florida, nice. Although rumor has it last week was rather balmy around these parts. Wouldn't know it to look out the window today. A fresh coat of white, an arctic blast, and winter is back in full force. I hope you enjoyed the thaw. You may have even scored a cone during one of the days last week when Lauren, my chief scooping ace, opened up shop.

In any event, hope you're staying warm, and we'll be back in action before we know it. Next Thursday the 24th to be exact.

In the meantime, stay warm and go Pats!