Guest columnist Mark L. Bail: Whalen's politics start with people

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

AMHERST — For the first time in the Amherst Rotary Club Fair’s more than 70-year history, organizers staged a ceremonial opening Thursday evening before the rides, games and food booths welcomed visitors to the Town Common. Marking its 100th anniversary as an organization, the Rotary Club, which has coordinated the community fair with Fanelli Amusements since taking over that role from the Amherst Jaycees in 1995. Club members joined town and state officials, along with representatives from the business community, in cutting a ribbon to open the fair. At a ceremony held below the Ferris wheel and between the Berry-Go-Round and […]