Guest columnist Tony Giardina: The cost of careless words in the school funding debate

Amherst community rallies around Crystal Colon after life-altering medical emergency

Crystal Colon has been active in the Amherst community for years as a girls AAU/ Frenzy basketball coach, paraprofessional, Division Q Hot Shots teammate, dance teacher, basketball club founder, former ARD at ABC Amherst and business owner of Luciannie’s Empanadillas. Recently, Colon suffered a stroke that nearly took her life and has completely altered it […]

'There's an underlying cosmic botany': Community sculpture project prepares to debut at Look Park in Florence

Its name is a bit of a mouthful and its design is like something from outer space — “cosmic botany,” as its creator put it. The “Glorb Organ” will soon come to life — and you can help. The Glorb Organ is an interactive LED sculpture installation designed by Rev. Marisa Egerstrom of Florence Congregational […]

Book Review: 'Sharing the Song: Becoming a Song Leader': How Alice Parker's final book keeps the magic of community singing alive

I should note that I knew and loved the author of “Sharing the Song: Becoming a Song Leader,” the composer Alice Parker. In some ways, that makes me an awkward person to review her work. In other ways, I would argue, it makes me an ideal reviewer. I grew up spending every summer living near […]

Bridging cultures through global rhythms: Turners Falls Mini-Fest unites diverse traditions at Peskeomskut Park

The Turners Falls Music Mini-Fest is a free, open-air festival celebrating cultural exchange through the performance of diverse musical traditions, such as Chinese pipa, son jarocho, cumbia, and klezmer music.

Beacon Hill Roll Call, June 15-19

LITERACY EDUCATION STANDARDS (H 5511) House 153-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill dealing with teacher preparation and student literacy. The measure would establish clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensuring access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhancing educator training and support and creating new reporting […]