1st Franklin Democratic candidates talk state audit, healthcare and ‘loneliness epidemic’ at forum

Guest columnist Jon Huer: AI, savior or destroyer?

AI is well known as the artificial intelligence system that replaces all human jobs. ASI (Artificial Superintelligence) is the advanced-perfected version of AI soon to surpass human intelligence: so smart with a mind of its own, according to the critics, it will eventually overtake and destroy its human creator if it judges (which it will) […]

Two Easthampton housing developments would add 26 apartments, condos to city

EASTHAMPTON — Two new housing developments are on the horizon in Easthampton that will bring 26 new apartments to the city. The Planning Board is reviewing requests for special permits for a 14-unit condominium complex spread across three duplexes and eight single-family homes at 132 and 134 West St., also known as Fat Frog Farm, and […]

Scaled-back East Amherst historic district wins Planning Board approval in 4-3 vote

AMHERST — A set of 22 properties in East Amherst could become part of the town’s third Local Historic District, with the Town Council getting a favorable Planning Board recommendation for the scaled-back proposal. In a narrow 4-3 vote last Wednesday, the Planning Board is supporting creation of the new district, which if the Town Council approves as a general bylaw would join the Emily Dickinson and North Prospect-Lincoln-Sunset districts. Referencing musician Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” composition and the lyrics “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone,” board member Fred Hartwell said he endorses the new district. “This […]

Area Briefs: Golf tourney to benefit River Valley Counseling

Golf tourney to benefit River Valley Counseling WESTFIELD — River Valley Counseling Center will hold its 11th annual golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 18, at East Mountain Country Club, with proceeds supporting the organization’s youth mental health programs. Funds will benefit RVCC’s Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative and School-Based Outpatient Therapy Services, which send therapists into […]

New book discussion group looks to curb stigma around memory loss

Village Neighbors and the Neighborhood Aging and Dementia Support Group have launched a quarterly book discussion group focused on dementia and aging, with the first meeting scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Wendell Free Library.