Arts Briefs: App-led tour of Deerfield orchard, Kassa Overall in Holyoke, and more

A Look Back, June 8

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Amherst public works employees secure new contract with improved pay and benefits

AMHERST — A new three-year contract for the Amherst Department of Public Works Associations will improve pay, reduce turnover and minimize understaffing, while enhancing service to the public, according to the union president. After close to a year working under an expired contract and nearly 18 months of negotiations, as well as two public labor […]

Clock ticking on South Hadley spray parks

SOUTH HADLEY — The spray parks at Buttery Brook and Beachgrounds parks will dry up after June 30 unless the Friends of the Buttery Brook Park raises $15,000 to keep the water flowing for the rest of the season. The nonprofit, volunteer-run organization launched a crowdfund on May 27 that has already raised more than […]

Belchertown suspends free summer meals program

BELCHERTOWN — Inadequate staffing is forcing the Belchertown School District to suspend the Summers Eats, a federally-funded program that provides free breakfast and lunch to families during the months when school is not in session. Superintendent Brian Cameron made the announcement via a social media post on June 1. He cited staffing shortages and “operational […]

Easthampton High School grads turn tassels, embrace next chapter

EASTHAMPTON — Confetti flew into the sky and whistles rang out as the Easthampton High School Class of 2026 graduates entered the next stage of their journeys, with hearts full of kindness and hope. Before the 74 graduates turned their tassels and threw their caps in the air, signifying the end of their high school careers […]