Robert Crafts, a beloved family man

He was the son of the late Nelson L. and Ada E. (Cranson) Crafts of Northampton and Avon Park, Fla. He leaves a brother, Bruce (Connie) of South Carolina, and was predeceased by his brother Nelson.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sylvia Jean (Shea) Crafts and her brother, David, a loving friend through the years.

In Our Opinion: Justifying a towing fee

The Northampton City Council has slowed down a proposal by the police chief to slap a new $25 fee on top of the charges currently levied by towing companies when a vehicle has to be moved for public-safety reasons.

Minutemen prepared for Holy Cross, tropical storm Hanna

AMHERST - It's supposed to rain Saturday. That's not exactly shocking news on an early September day in New England, but it will get the attention of the University of Massachusetts football team as it heads to Worcester to face Holy Cross at 1 p.m.

The 'humane micropolis'

"Design Northampton Week," which begins this Sunday evening at the Senior Center on Conz Street, inspires one to think about what this amazing small city really is and how it came to be that way. Accolades for Northampton are familiar and well-deserved –– "Paradise of America," "Number One Best Small Arts Town in America," and so on.

84,000 jobs cut

Unemployment hits 5-year high at 6.1%

By JEANNINE AVERSAAssociated Press

WASHINGTON - The nation's unemployment rate zoomed to a five-year high of 6.1 percent in August as employers slashed 84,000 jobs, dramatic proof of the mounting damage a deeply troubled economy is inflicting on workers and businesses alike.

Go ahead, pig out

1

AP Photo

Pork Chops With Pear, Caramelized Onions and Rosemary brings the taste of seasonal fruit to a healthy cut of pork.

2

AP Photo

Pork Chops With Pear, Caramelized Onions and Rosemary brings the taste of seasonal fruit to a healthy cut of pork.

By JIM ROMANOFFThe Associated Press

Pork and fat often seem to go hand in hand, perhaps because bacon, sausage and barbecue are so popular. But don't let this keep you from considering pork as a healthy choice.

Barbara Anne Peterson, loved nature, family

1

South Hadley - Barbara Anne Peterson passed away peacefully on Aug. 30 surrounded by her loving family.

Home design: Technology assists green innovators

1

AP Photo/Vetrazzo

A cobalt Skyy vanity counter by Vetrazzo. A decade of quantum technological leaps mean today's designers have in their hands a virtually bottomless toy box of new materials and methods.

2

AP Photo/Vetrazzo

A millefiori counter by Vetrazzo. At right, the Harry Allen hand hook hand grab in white. These wall-mountable hooks are resin casts of Allen's own hand.

3

AP Photo/DuPont Corian

The DuPont Corian Illuminations series Mint Ice bathroom sink

4

AP Photo

The Leaf Light designed by Yves Behar

5

AP photo

The Harry Allen hand hook hand grab in white. Available in hook, holder or shelf form, these wall-mountable hooks are resin casts of Allen's own hand.

6

AP Photo/Vetrazzo

A cobalt Skyy vanity counter by Vetrazzo. A decade of quantum technological leaps mean today's designers have in their hands a virtually bottomless toy box of new materials and methods.

A decade of quantum technological leaps mean today's designers have in their hands a virtually bottomless toy box of new materials and methods.

National Grid dismantling old Florence substation

1

GORDON DANIELS

The electric substation across from the Arts and Industry Building in Florence is in the process of being taken down by National Grid workers.

NORTHAMPTON - In a move welcomed by neighbors and city officials, National Grid is taking down its defunct Pine Street substation, three years after it went off-line.

Mary Cargel, 94, Hadley native

WINAMAC, Ind. - Mary R. "G.G." Cargel, 94, died July 10 at the Pulaski Memorial Hospital.

Mary was born Dec. 31, 1913, in Hadley.

A service was held July 14 for Mary at the Frain Mortuary, with the Rev. Martin Sandhage officiating, and she was laid to rest in St. Peter's Cemetery in Winamac.

250-point plunge on exchange as stocks are hurt by jobless data

NEW YORK - Wall Street tumbled Thursday on more disappointing economic news - retailers posted sluggish back-to-school sales reports and the government said the number of workers seeking unemployment benefits spiked last week. The Dow Jones industrials fell nearly 250 points.

Gene changes seen behind 2 deadly cancers

WASHINGTON - Scientists have mapped the cascade of genetic changes that turn normal cells in the brain and pancreas into two of the most lethal cancers. The result points to a new approach for fighting tumors and maybe even catching them sooner.

In Our Opinion: Learning to get along

There's no question that members of the Amherst School Committee could benefit from a few lessons on how to get along with one another, but it's not entirely clear that a retreat is the best venue for mediating this particular group's differences.

Good start key for UMass against Crusaders

AMHERST - University of Massachusetts football coach Don Brown is glad that last week's opener and all the hype that accompanied it is over.

In first major national speech, Sarah Palin casts herself as Washington outsider

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Greeted by thunderous applause, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin presented herself to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, and millions of Americans watching from home, as a small-town outsider ready to join John McCain's ticket in waging "a tough fight in this election against confident opponents at a crucial hour for our country."

A market for book 'poachers': Shops cry foul over Annex sales tactic

AMHERST - There was something "off" about the tone of an email that UMass professor Suzanne M. Daly received last week requesting information about books she is requiring for her English class this semester.

A battle to get to battle: LB Rouzier finally gets a chance for UMass after two years of injuries

1

Rouzier finally made it onto the field Saturday after two years of injuries.

AMHERST - Don Brown was hesitant to even mention Anthony Rouzier late in the preseason when talking about his linebacker rotation. The University of Massachusetts football coach's superstitions are legendary and he didn't want to jinx the junior from Amherst.

PTSD past, pooch finds canine fame

1

CAROL LOLLIS

Beverly and Andy Trushaw, of Northampton, with their dog Porchie, a Katrina survivor from the Gulf Coast, who is on the cover of BARk Magazine.

2

CAROL LOLLIS

Porchie gazes soulfully next to the magazine featuring his mug on the cover, at his home in Northampton.

NORTHAMPTON - Three years ago, Porchie was a Hurricane Katrina refugee, separated from his owners and traumatized by the destruction he'd survived. Today, the 5-year-old Brittany mix and Florence transplant is enjoying a happier dog's life and is even a bit of a celebrity. He's a cover dog on a national magazine.

Lucy Amidon, 52, Northampton native

AVON PARK, Fla. - Lucy (Silva) Amidon, 52, passed away Aug. 27. She was born to Marie and James Silva May 24, 1956, in Northampton, Mass.

Through the looking glass: Amherst artist George Wardlaw's latest show marks an end - and a beginning

1

COURTESY OF GEORGE WARDLAW

"Big Bend" was inspired by a child's drawing of weather that was published in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

2

JERREY ROBERTS

George Wardlaw kneels beside his painting,"Unidentified Object," in his Amherst studio recently. The painting is included in his exhibition "Windows II," which will open tonight with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hampshire College's Main Gallery.

3

COURTESY OF GEORGE WARDLAW

"Windows II," a show of Amherst artist George Wardlaw's work now at Hampshire College, is dedicated to the memory of his wife, Judy, who died in May. Among Wardlaw's abstract paintings on exhibit are, from left to right, "Cherry Hill: Maine Coast," "Big Bend," "Obscured Flume" and "Mystery Marble Beach."

4

5

6

JERREY ROBERTS

George Wardlaw stands beside "Ladder Beach" in his Amherst studio late last month. The painting is on view at his show at Hampshire College's Johnson Library Center through Sept. 28.

7

In 60 years of making and showing his art, no exhibition has meant more to George Wardlaw than the one that opened earlier this week at Hampshire College.