Birthday coming up

AGAWAM Agawam residents are invited to a public reception in honor of Charles Cable, May 19, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m., at the Captain Charles Leonard House.

Cable is a direct descendent of John Cable, who, with John Woodcock, built the first house in Agawam (and western Massachusetts) in 1635.

A resident of New Mexico, Cable had planned to visit to the east coast for his grandson's graduation, and earlier this year inquired about visiting Agawam's historical museum. Coincidently, his visit was scheduled for Incorporation week.

This reception is co-sponsored by the Agawam Historical Association, the Trustees of the Captain Charles Leonard House, and the Agawam Sesquicentennial Committee.

This event is free and open to the public.

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In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Agawam on May 17, 1855, a special pictorial cancellation will was made available by the Agawam Post Office beginning on May 17.

The special cancellation incorporates a logo created for the Agawam Sesquicentennial by David Cecchi, a member of the Sesquicentennial Committee, depicting a winged "A" atop a shield emblazoned with Agawam Massachusetts 2005 and states: "Agawam Sesquicentennial Station, May 17, 2005, Agawam, Massachusetts 01001."

The Agawam Sesquicentennial Committee will also have special commemorative envelopes featuring the cancellation, the town seal and the words "Town of Agawam Sesquicentennial Celebration, June 11-19, 2005" available for sale in the coming weeks. The special cancellation is available for thirty days after its introduction.

The U.S. Postal Service offers special pictorial cancellations to commemorate local events throughout the nation. The cancellation itself is free. However, the customer must bring, purchase or send an envelope or postcard with the appropriate postage (37 cents and 23 cents respectively) to the offering post office requesting the special cancellation.