Montague and Erving Notebook: March 20, 2026

Guest column: State conserved lands benefit everyone: Local communities should be fairly compensated for their stewardship

The landscapes of central and western Massachusetts are some of the most treasured in the commonwealth, providing beautiful natural areas for recreation, ensuring clean air and water, sequestering and storing carbon, supporting forestry jobs and providing habitat for species such as black bear, moose and bobcat, as well as many other important plants and animals. […]

Greenfield Notebook: July 30, 2026

Greenfield Community Band to perform final concert of summer season GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community Band will perform its final concert of the season at Energy Park on Miles Street on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. The concert is free. The final summer concert will feature a “Fun in the Summer” theme. Selections include […]

'I wouldn't trade it for the world': Veterans, honored with Quilts of Valor in Orange, reflect on service

Two veterans, Doug McIntosh and Scott Hemlin, were presented with Quilts of Valor by the North Orange Grange during a ceremony held in May.

House passes bill on late-term abortion access; Sabadosa bill heads to Senate

A Massachusetts bill that would expand abortion access after 24 weeks of pregnancy passed the House of Representatives and is set to head to the Senate.

'Just show up. We'll teach you': Orange Community Band going strong after 176 years, holding season's final concert on July 31

Conductor Stephanie Parker joined the Orange Community Band as a 10-year-old trumpeter, encouraged by her father, Terry, who plays tuba in the group to this day. The father of Donna Reynolds, a member of the Orange Lions Club, which sponsors the musicians, used to sell popcorn and beverages at the concerts, and Peter Guertin never […]