Valley Advocate
For Belchertown veterans, a new advocate arrives
BELCHERTOWN — Before Dustin Ruby saw the job posting for a veterans service officer, he had no idea the office existed. As the former deputy director of veteran services in Chicopee, Ruby found his…
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5mGuest columnist Jack Tulloss: The roads to hell
Saint Bernard, the 12th-century cleric, not the dog, is often credited with the proverb, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” As proverbs go, it’s not a bad one. But what if, what if, work with me now, hell isn’t the terminus but the road itself? That brings us to Amherst, the commonwealth’s […]
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8mA life of showing up: Denise Devine is the Gazette's 2026 Person of the Year
HADLEY — Whether you’re going through a tragedy or are in need of support, everyone needs a hero at times in life. Denise Devine has been that for many in the Hadley community through her fierce activism supporting students, families and those in need. “She’s kind of my hero, she’s done a lot for her community, […]
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9mAmherst won't intervene in ICE operations, despite calls for stronger protections
AMHERST — Residents fearful of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity pressed town leaders Monday to do more to protect immigrants, arguing that documenting arrests is not enough. “What town residents need to know is whether as a matter of policy, the town will take action against immigration agents and authorities who are acting beyond their […]
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6mOne bridge, many lessons: Eagle Scout project shapes Belchertown teen
BELCHERTOWN — On the only rainy day of a historically dry November, Zachary Restucci sloshed through a muddy parking lot toward a weathered footbridge at the Scarborough Brook Conservation Area. Years of foot traffic had worn down the structure to match the decaying leaves below it. The decking underneath a layer of horizontal wood boards […]
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6mOutdoor track: Ella Hoogendyk wins MSTCA West Heptathlon for third consecutive year
SOUTH DEERFIELD — For the third straight year, Ella Hoogendyk of Northampton High School won the MSTCA West Heptathlon on Tuesday. Hoogendyk finished with 4,133 points at Frontier Regional High School. The senior put a nice bow on the overall performance, finishing with a personal best (2:20.02) in the 800-meter. The run was good for […]