One bridge, many lessons: Eagle Scout project shapes Belchertown teen

A ‘Moonage Daydream’ comes true: Transformance benefit concert brings David Bowie and other cosmic tributes to the Pines Theater

Local musicians are over the moon about an upcoming space-themed benefit concert in Northampton. Transformance, previously known as Transperformance, will return this year to the Pines Theater at Look Park in Florence on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. The show features local musicians performing 10-minute sets as well-known artists. Transformance raises money […]

A ‘music utopia’ revisited: Pendrift brings its eclectic, unscripted sound back to the Valley

After debuting more than half a century ago, the band Pendrift will reunite this weekend. The group will take the stage at Outlook Farm in Westhampton on Sunday, Aug. 16, from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring guitarist and vocalist Al Fuller, drummer Chet Pasek, bassist Jim “Chetz” Keegan and keyboardist Steve Sienkiewicz. While it is […]

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion preps to open second Hadley campus for K-1 grades

HADLEY — A second campus for the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Public Charter School, where kindergarten and first-grade classes will be located, is opening in late August. Principal Kathleen Wang told school trustees at a meeting Thursday that the 300 Venture Way site will have six new classrooms, all of which are 1,200 square feet […]

Leverett Selectboard leaves roof funding with regional district despite cost concerns

The Leverett Selectboard voted unanimously to let the regional school district hold onto its portion of the Amherst Regional Middle School roof project funds until completion, while also honoring retiring Deputy Fire Chief Amy Rice and discussing local grants.

Around and About with Richard McCarthy: Life altering 101

Years ago, when I was living in Seattle, I took on the task of teaching a “college-simulating” class for people who had been recently released from jail. They had signed on to an individualized “community re-entry plan” with parole or probation authorities, which in their case included enrolling in the local community college for the […]