Around and About with Richard McCarthy: Life altering 101

Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion preps to open second Hadley campus for K-1 grades

HADLEY — A second campus for the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Public Charter School, where kindergarten and first-grade classes will be located, is opening in late August. Principal Kathleen Wang told school trustees at a meeting Thursday that the 300 Venture Way site will have six new classrooms, all of which are 1,200 square feet […]

Leverett Selectboard leaves roof funding with regional district despite cost concerns

The Leverett Selectboard voted unanimously to let the regional school district hold onto its portion of the Amherst Regional Middle School roof project funds until completion, while also honoring retiring Deputy Fire Chief Amy Rice and discussing local grants.

History in Hangzhou: Smith coach Greg Walker helps Team USA secure spot in 2028 Paralympics

NORTHAMPTON — The 2028 Paralympic Summer Games in Los Angeles will feature at least one local connection in Smith volleyball head coach Greg Walker. Walker guided Team USA’s Men’s National Sitting Team to a spot in the Games after qualifying at last month’s World ParaVolley Men’s World Championships in Hangzhou, China. Walker, who has been […]

Hadley finance director, treasurer retires

HADLEY — After more than a decade as treasurer and 2½ years as Hadley’s first finance director, Linda Sanderson is retiring from both positions. The Select Board on Wednesday voted unanimously to accept Sanderson’s retirement, and afterward named Dede Dibrindisi, the assistant treasurer, to the permanent treasurer position. First elected by voters in 2015 to a position that has since become appointed by the Select Board, Sanderson will conclude her employment next week, though she anticipates being available to provide assistance. “It has been a pleasure,” Sanderson said of the job. Once elected, Sanderson said she took to the work right […]

Guest column: State conserved lands benefit everyone: Local communities should be fairly compensated for their stewardship

The landscapes of central and western Massachusetts are some of the most treasured in the commonwealth, providing beautiful natural areas for recreation, ensuring clean air and water, sequestering and storing carbon, supporting forestry jobs and providing habitat for species such as black bear, moose and bobcat, as well as many other important plants and animals. […]