Amherst delays middle school opening due to roof and air quality issues

Guest columnist Henry W. Rosenberg: We need an arch

Between 1877 and 1911 Frank Newhall Look was the chief executive of Florence Manufacturing Company, later known as Pro Brush. In memory of Frank Look, his widow, Fannie Burr Look, donated over 150 acres of farmland for the establishment of a park which is open to the public but is not a city park. The park receives no tax money but is on sound financial footing with its endowment and with fees for entrance and for rental of picnic areas and use of a catering hall. The many amenities now at Look Park include tennis courts, miniature golf, picnic areas, a […]

'Can't Afford Not To': Grammy award-winning Jon Carroll celebrates release of first album in 18 years

Musician Jon Carroll, co-founder of the Starland Vocal Band, won two Grammy Awards in 1977 for the hit song “Afternoon Delight,” but his musical accomplishments extend far beyond that breakout success. His résumé includes performing with The Chicks and Mary Chapin Carpenter and writing songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Tom Jones and Kenny Rogers. Now, […]

Western Mass magic: Ashfield author drops fourth fantasy novel

Ashfield author Jorma Kansanen is partial to magic. For the past decade, he’s developed a young adult fantasy series based in western Massachusetts that centers on fraternal twins with supernatural powers. While the siblings navigate the perils of adolescence, they must answer to a higher calling. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, fans can pre-order the fourth […]

Weekly Food Photo Contest: This week’s winner: Jodi Hnyda of Leeds

Jodi Hnyda of Leeds shared this photo. “I’m beating this summer heat with my homemade Smoked Blueberry ice cream! I used my smoker to get the flavor just right. I used eggs and hand-picked blueberries from Rocky Bottom Farm in Holyoke.” How to enter: Snap a pic of something delicious-looking and send it with your name, town […]

Get Growing with Mickey Rathbun: Hidden in plain sight: The secret gardens of Grace Episcopal Church

Sometimes the loveliest gardens can be right under our noses and we don’t even know they’re there. The gardens at Amherst’s Grace Episcopal Church are such a hidden gem. The Spring Street garden, enjoyed by everyone who walks down the street, is just a small taste of the plantings that the Church’s Garden Ministry has […]