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Jones Library Consultant Amps Up the Vitriol
Few would attempt to assail the integrity and commitment to justice of former federal prosecutor and onetime President of the Jones Library Board of Trustees, Sarah McKee. McKee, an occasional contributor to the Amherst Indy, has served as general counsel to INTERPOL and has sat on the board of the Massachusetts Alliance Against Predatory Lending. A 2009 Washington Post story recounts how she discovered a long-forgotten book which she returned to the Arlington (VA) Central Library along with a check for $25 and a note of apology for the book being 30 years overdue. McKee is also a vocal opponent of the Jones Library demolition-renovation-expansion project.
Valley Green Energy launches in Amherst, offering residents cleaner electricity
The town of Amherst has announced the upcoming launch of Valley Green Energy, a new program designed to offer Amherst residents and businesses a more sustainable and cost-effective electrical supply.
This song protesting a new Starbucks in North Adams will get stuck in your head
Don't say we didn't warn you. After city officials in North Adams greenlit a developer’s plans to turn an empty lot into a commercial complex with multiple drive-throughs, Audrey Aristeo pulled out her ukulele, sat down in her bedroom, and began to write. The end result — “they’re building...
Food, friends, music and beer: Food Truck Fridays is the place to be in Easthampton this summer
Going out with friends can be challenging when clashing tastes in food make it impossible to choose a restaurant. But for Abandoned Building Brewery in Easthampton, the solution to this predicament is simple, and it comes rolling in on four wheels. Behind the towering mill building on Pleasant Street that...
Study: Afghan fathers of 1st-born daughters more likely to support gender equality
AMHERST — Afghan fathers of first-born daughters are among the most committed to women’s rights as a national priority, researchers from UMass Amherst’s Human Security Lab recently published a study. Regarding the statement, “I believe achieving human rights for women is among the top priorities for the...
They give birth while taking meds to treat addiction. A proposal could stop the reports to DCF
SPRINGFIELD — When Julie gave birth to her third child in 2022, she was reported to the Department of Children and Families for possible neglect. The Belchertown mother didn’t think she had done anything wrong. The thing that triggered the report to DCF was medication that a doctor had prescribed her.
UMass Amherst engineers working to make steel construction industry more sustainable
Environmental experts say the construction industry accounts for more than one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are now trying to make the industry more sustainable. Kara Peterman, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass, said emissions are released at every stage of...
Sunday fundraiser in Holyoke to support family of Dexter Ortiz
HOLYOKE — Family and friends of Dexter Ortiz, 38, who tragically lost his life in a shooting on July 9, are organizing a fundraiser on Sunday. The fundraising event is scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. at 63 West St. The proceeds will contribute toward covering the costs of Ortiz’s funeral services and the back-to-school expenses for his children.
Wilbraham (B), Agawam (B) summer girls soccer teams ‘still learning how to play with each other’
WILBRAHAM — Despite Thursday having marked the eighth regular-season matchup for Wilbraham (B) and Agawam (B) during their respective Pioneer Valley girls soccer summer schedules, it remained clear that both teams were still attempting to bond. “We’re still learning how to play with each other,” Falcons coach Kelly Piquette...
Burglar who robbed a Brattleboro home is now also facing illegal drug charges
Brattleboro, VT- A woman was arrested on Tuesday night after breaking into a home on Putney Road, stealing several items from residents, and leaving the scene in a vehicle containing illegal drugs. April Garcia, 31, from Hartford, CT, broke in at around 6:00 p.m. before taking residents’ phones and keys....
Gellman on Raising the Age for Teens Charged as Adults: Boston Globe
Associate Professor Mneesha Gellman, Director of the Emerson Prison Initiative, wrote a letter to the editor of the Boston Globe in support of a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature that would raise the age at which someone could be tried as an adult to 18 for most offenses. “Raising the...
The Gaslight Tinkers on the Tavern Lawn
PUTNEY, Vt. – Twilight Music continues its 21st Twilight on the Tavern Lawn series of bluegrass, folk/rock, world beat, jazz, pop, and Zydeco summer concerts on Sunday, July 21, with roots and world music quintet The Gaslight Tinkers. The seven-concert series continues every other Sunday through Aug. 18. All concerts beginat 6 p.m., in downtown Putney, on the Putney Tavern lawn – bring a lawn chair or blanket – or at Next Stage, at 15 Kimball Hill, in case of rain. Copresented with Next Stage Arts Project, the series is sponsored by the Town of Putney, The Mockingbird Tavern, Rod’s, and many other Putney-area businesses and organizations. The concerts are free to the public, donations are accepted, and food will be available. For more information, call 802-387-5772 or visit www.twilightmusic.org.
Well-rounded student-athlete from Quabbin earns TGN honors for strong senior campaign
Last week, The Gardner News put out a vote to let readers have a say in the winner of The Gardner News Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year. The results of the poll, along with votes of the staff, were combined to decide the winner. Honorable Mention. The...
Tensions rise at ENC's migrant shelter in Quincy as homeless families are asked to leave
QUINCY ‒ As the migrant crisis stretches the state’s network of emergency shelters to capacity, the temporary shelter and family welcome center at Eastern Nazarene College has been depositing homeless families, some against their will, at the Wollaston MBTA station, according to city officials and police. Quincy Police...
UMass Memorial doctor honored after performing CPR on ailing umpire at youth game in Oxford
OXFORD ― A local doctor sprang into action and saved the life of a baseball umpire during a Little League game last week. Philip Davis, a league official, was at the game July 11 in Oxford when umpire Korey Pontbriand was hit by a pitch and later collapsed. Dr. Jennifer LaFemina, who was...
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