Columnist Rev. Andrea Ayvazian: Contempt divides, dignity unites

Amherst gets free access to Hampshire College pool

AMHERST — Even as Hampshire College is nearing the end of its operations, Amherst Recreation is using the campus swimming pool for a variety of programs. With the usual indoor swimming pool for the aquatics program closed until at least October, due to the ongoing roof replacement at Amherst Regional Middle School, Town Manager Paul […]

Belchertown gets unexpected $500K boost

BELCHERTOWN — Belchertown received a welcome fiscal surprise when the state’s fiscal year 2027 budget allocated an additional $500,000 of state aid above the predicted amount. Town Meeting already approved a $62 million budget for fiscal year 2027 in May. This included estimated state aid based on the governor’s budget, which was $19.5 million. However, when the actual state budget came out of conference committee on June 30, the cherry sheet was $502,571 above the governor’s numbers. “This is not a common occurrence,” Town Accountant Jill Rossi said. Municipal leadership will suggest where to allocate the money in the next couple […]

Shutesbury Select Board seeks new permit conditions after solar project fire

SHUTESBURY — An April fire at a large-scale solar project on Pratt Corner Road is prompting town officials to seek changes to its special permit conditions, aimed at improving safety and offering more protections to the town. Members of the Planning Board told the Select Board Tuesday that they support the concept of reopening the special permit with NextEra Energy. Planning Board member Michael DeChiara said adding new conditions governing the 5.6-megawatt development, on 30 acres of the so-called Wheelock Tract, could protect the surrounding woods and help firefighters when responding to emergencies at the site. An Aug. 17 memo from […]

Born to run: Iron Horse and The Drake team up to create new race from Amherst to Northampton

The Drake in Amherst and the Iron Horse in Northampton co-hosted Miles for Music, a new 8.2-mile run, relay, and walk to raise money for the two venues, on Sunday, Sept. 13. “We’re taking all of the fun that you think of at a music festival, and we’re trying to inject that into the experience […]

What places leave behind: After winning an international design competition, Smith College's Isabel Strauss contemplates the healing power of architecture

As an architect, Isabel Strauss often wonders about physical space. What is here now, and what came before it? What is still possible? Places tell stories — whether they are historical buildings or vacant lots — and she takes everything into consideration. Last autumn, in her first semester of teaching at Smith College, the assistant […]