Beyond the curtain: How 15 Valley artists are building sustainable careers

Atkinson Family Practice founder abruptly departs after 21 years; Northampton office closes

AMHERST/NORTHAMPTON — Dr. Katherine Atkinson has left the Amherst and Northampton family practice she ran for more than two decades, a year and a half after selling it to keep it out of bankruptcy.  “I would never leave my patients on short notice if I had any option,” Atkinson said in a phone interview with […]

Gaming for good: New tabletop gaming convention Next Turn to support media education, public access

A library of more than 300 tabletop games that guests can check out. “Playshops” for learning how to develop a game, and workshops about turning gameplay into podcasts, videos and livestreams. A game auction, a vendor market — a gamer’s paradise. Northampton Open Media will host Next Turn, a new convention celebrating tabletop gaming, at […]

After positive PFAS tests, Sunderland residents demand action

Residents of Reservation Road in Sunderland expressed frustration during a Selectboard meeting regarding the delayed notification of PFAS contamination in their private wells and requested improved protection measures.

Guest columnist Steve Bloom: History is our brand

Mattoon Street. If you live in Amherst and have had to schlep your kids back and forth to school and athletic events, you’ve driven it countless times. But ever wondered where the name comes from? Born and bred in Amherst, Ebenezer Mattoon (1755-1843) fought in the Revolutionary War, rising to the rank of major. Returning home, he married […]

WMass boys soccer: Matt Feltovic, Drew Crutch lead Hopkins past Granby into Class D final

HADLEY — This season did no go they way it was expected for Hopkins boys soccer players Matt Feltovic and Drew Crutch. Feltovic, a senior captain, entered the season as the Golden Hawks primary goalie before transitioning out into the field. Crutch, a freshman, hoped to score more than just two goals during the regular […]