Columnist Joanna Buoniconti: Writing on writer's block

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 […]

On the Run with John Stifler: The joy of running and remembering a behind-the-scenes star

It was going to happen eventually. Sooner or later I would finish last again in a race. I accomplished that feat last month in the Tuesday night Northampton Cross-Country 5K. I finished last in some races my freshman year in college, when I was new to competitive running. Since then, I always finished ahead of […]