50 years ago, beanball cut short Tony Conigliaro’s career

By STEVE KRAUSE

He had been in a slump. Tony Conigliaro, the 22-year-old kid who, earlier in 1967, had become the youngest player in American League history to reach the 100-homer mark, was in a rut and hadn’t hit one out in 10 days.

By MEAGHAN CASEY

As we all know, great hair doesn’t happen by chance; it happens by appointment. Just ask Sylvia Caruso’s customers.

“She transforms you,” said Mildred Belmonte of Revere. “You leave feeling sensational.”

By RICH FAHEY

They were runners, spectators, law enforcement personnel and track officials, and they had all gathered at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon to celebrate the renewal of the oldest annual marathon in the world.

Nick Varano’s knack for quality food, experience has led to success after success

By MEAGHAN CASEY

You can take the boy out of the North End, but you can never really take the North End out of the boy.

For restaurateur Nick Varano, opening Strega Ristorante on Hanover Street — two decades after roaming the street as a 12-year-old in search of the perfect loaf of bread — was in many ways a destined homecoming. The son of Italian immigrants, Varano lived in the North End most of his childhood before moving to East Boston at age 14. His mother, Rosetta, owned a beauty salon and cooked covetable Sunday suppers (which included her now famous meatballs). Varano got a neighborhood education not just at St. Anthony’s School, but at tried-and-true businesses like Mike’s Pastry.

Peabody’s Julia Scaparotti shines as Miss Massachusetts USA and cheerleader for the New England Patriots

By STACEY MARCUS

One can easily understand why Peabody native Julia Scaparotti is glowing. The 25-year old beauty was crowned Miss Massachusetts USA in November and is a member of the New England Patriots squad that cheered the team to a historical victory this February.

“I never would have thought I would win a crown and a ring in the same year,” jokes Scaparotti.

By JUSTIN BARRASSO

Tucked away on Newbury Street in Peabody, almost hidden among the multitude of spectacles on Route 1, is Bruce McCorry’s Martial Arts Academy. The building, covered by a simple red awning, comes alive upon entering the front door. Inside, McCorry teaches self-discipline, self-defense, and self-confidence.

Local journalist presents a collection that celebrates the Greater Boston middle class

By RICH FAHEY

As a staff writer for The Boston Globe, Steven Rosenberg covered the suburbs from 2001 to last December, and along the way has documented many of the traditions and rituals that make the Greater Boston area what it is.

By MEAGHAN CASEY

The Maine coast is home to some of the most picturesque spots in New England, and fortunately for residents off of Rt. 1, it’s just a short ride up 95 North. While it may still be too early in the season to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, it’s never too early for a daytrip to Portland for some lobster rolls, shopping and sightseeing. And if the traditional clam shacks don’t motivate you to hit the road, maybe the rest of the culinary scene will. In recent years, Bon Appetit named Portland the “foodiest” small town and in February, nine Portland chefs, restaurants, bakers and brewmasters were named semifinalists for the prestigious 2017 James Beard Awards.

The view from a suite balcony at the Opal Sands Resortin Clearwater Beach, Florida.

By STACEY MARCUS

Looking to plan a great getaway this spring? We assembled a list of four great spots to visit to celebrate the end of another New England winter and the dawn of the seasons of renewal.

Fluff celebrated by many, but it’s only made in one place
By David Liscio

When talk turns to Marshmallow Fluff, it’s not unusual to hear enthusiastic opinions from pre-teens, Baby Boomers and those enjoying their golden years.

After all, the beloved white goop has been around for decades, with nearly every ounce produced at the Durkee Mower factory in Lynn.