Guest columnist Henry W. Rosenberg: We need an arch

Guest columnist Carla Doyle-Florence: Jeromie Whalen — 'Putting a face to the vote'

This is the second time I’ve written to a news publication. The first submission was nearly 20 years when I invited our former state representative to my home after my son Gavin registered to vote, to help him put a face to the candidate he might vote for. Registering to vote was an important milestone […]

'Can't Afford Not To': Grammy award-winning Jon Carroll celebrates release of first album in 18 years

Musician Jon Carroll, co-founder of the Starland Vocal Band, won two Grammy Awards in 1977 for the hit song “Afternoon Delight,” but his musical accomplishments extend far beyond that breakout success. His résumé includes performing with The Chicks and Mary Chapin Carpenter and writing songs recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Tom Jones and Kenny Rogers. Now, […]

Western Mass magic: Ashfield author drops fourth fantasy novel

Ashfield author Jorma Kansanen is partial to magic. For the past decade, he’s developed a young adult fantasy series based in western Massachusetts that centers on fraternal twins with supernatural powers. While the siblings navigate the perils of adolescence, they must answer to a higher calling. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, fans can pre-order the fourth […]

Amherst delays middle school opening due to roof and air quality issues

AMHERST — Amherst’s new Chestnut Street Academy and the Amherst Regional Middle School will have a delayed opening for the semester due to ongoing work on the roof of the building and concerns about air quality inside it. Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman announced in a message sent to families Wednesday that the first day of […]

Weekly Food Photo Contest: This week’s winner: Jodi Hnyda of Leeds

Jodi Hnyda of Leeds shared this photo. “I’m beating this summer heat with my homemade Smoked Blueberry ice cream! I used my smoker to get the flavor just right. I used eggs and hand-picked blueberries from Rocky Bottom Farm in Holyoke.” How to enter: Snap a pic of something delicious-looking and send it with your name, town […]