Amid bus driver shortage, Amherst schools eye reduction of morning stops

Guest columnist Dick Evans: Weed, dogs and responsibility

An anonymous, out-of-state funder has brought us Question 8 on next month’s ballot. If passed, it would repeal the regulatory and tax system that Massachusetts voters approved 10 years ago for non-medical cannabis. In practical terms, Question 8 is not a technical adjustment. It is a full-scale reversal of the commonwealth’s framework for cannabis commerce. […]

Former Northampton rabbi detained by Israeli police during olive harvest in West Bank

NORTHAMPTON — Rabbi Justin David, who formerly led Congregation B’nai Israel in Northampton, said he was detained by the Israeli police last Wednesday while volunteering for an olive harvest at a West Bank grove. The Northampton resident posted a statement on Facebook saying he was held with dozens of other rabbis and international volunteers, including […]

Senior class leading Smith College women's volleyball to another historic season

NORTHAMPTON — On Friday, Smith College women’s volleyball got a look at what it’s going to take if they want to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament in November. The Bears hosted their toughest opponent of the season to date, Wesleyan, in a match that went the full five sets. The Cardinals entered the day ranked 10th in the NCAA Power Index (NPI) and 13th in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll (AVCA). After dropping the first set, Smith bounced back to win sets two and three, both by identical, 25-19, scores. Wesleyan didn’t crumbled despite being down. The […]

Amherst councilors encourage more public input on waste hauler request for proposals

AMHERST — Concerns over the operation of the town transfer station, should a pay-as-you-throw curbside trash, recycling and compost system be implemented, have led Town Council members to call for a more in-depth community discussion. The council’s Town Services and Outreach Committee has been directed to bring forward a plan for a town-contracted waste hauler service for about 5,000 households by putting out a request for proposal and seeing what companies are interested in such a project. Before that advertisement is finalized and published, however, two councilors at Monday’s meeting said they would like to see more input from residents. For […]

There is a Season with Molly Parr: A 20-year recipe not to mess with

Recipes develop over time: I make tweaks over the years, marking up my cookbooks with notes along the margins. Sometimes I find myself adopting recipes to suit my kids’ tastes, softening the ingredient list and removing the spice in dishes until they don’t look anything like the original recipe. Not for the worse, just different.  But some need less changing than others. They resist changing all but the smallest changes, bending slightly to convenience or preference. This hot dressing for Asian greens is one of those recipes that needs no adjusting.  What are Asian Greens? Think mizuna, a Japanese mustard green […]