Amherst Rotary Club Fair holds first ceremonial opening as rides, games return to Town Common

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

Being an independent artist comes with its fair share of challenges, but a Springfield organization has just given 15 local artists a way to help mitigate some of them with grant money and professional development opportunities. Earlier this summer, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, a Springfield nonprofit, announced the members of the ValleyCreates 2026 […]

There is a Season with Molly Parr: Sweet melon meets spicy jalapeño

This summer, amid food recalls and warnings, it has been so clear how lucky we are to live in communities full of farmland and orchards. From hydroponically grown lettuce, to peaches picked and sold in the same morning, to local bakeries, we have had an incredible summer full of delicious local bites.  I’ve roasted strawberries […]

Growing community in the local food system: How Grow Food Northampton brings fresh produce and connection to public housing

Louie says every year that he isn’t going to plant tomatoes, delivering the line with a knowing smile that his fellow community gardeners have come to expect. Standing outside the Forsander Apartments in Florence, it’s the line I keep hearing with a laugh from the community gardeners as they show me their plots full of […]

Earth Matters: Bangers on the bog

What makes a good song? What kind of teaching makes learning sink in and stay with us? Recently, as these two spheres in my world began to overlap, I realized making music and teaching my students had more in common than I originally thought. This story began as I was making a ukulele out of […]

Amherst illuminates Town Hall with purple lights for International Overdose Awareness Day

AMHERST — Town Hall is being illuminated with purple lights for the next week as Amherst recognizes International Overdose Awareness Day. The lighting started Friday. Purple is the color of recovery, symbolizing hope and support. The awareness day aims to honor and remember those who have lost their lives to overdose, to support families, friends and […]