Comerford: Free community college plan will lift up students, offer immediate return on investment
A plan unveiled by Senate Democrats on Monday to make community college free for all in Massachusetts starting this fall has the potential to have a big impact for prospective students across the state, including here in the Pioneer Valley.The...
Sharing a few notes: High schoolers coaching younger string players one on one
AMHERST — Carefully holding and balancing his violin, 12-year-old Heedo Noh, a Fort River School sixth grader, gets a suggestion for positioning the bow so it runs straight across the strings as he practices G.F. Handel’s “Chorus from Judas...
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Sports
High schools: Ana Growhoski records 100th career hit in Easthampton softball’s win over East Longmeadow
Ana Growhoski tallied her 100th career hit as part of an eight-run first inning that helped the Easthampton softball team to a 9-7 victory over East Longmeadow on the road on Tuesday afternoon.Growhoski went 3-for-5 on the day with three runs and an...
Opinion
Guest column: Serving educational needs shouldn’t be ‘aspirational’
The School Committee recently passed a level services budget requiring an increase in its share of the city’s budget. My colleagues and I voted 8-1 — with the mayor abstaining — to pass this budget. We did so because we understand the challenges...
Business
Area property deed transfers, May 2
AMHERST Faheem Ibrahim Lt and Faheem Ibrahim to Nan Zhao and Zhihong Ni, 16 Arbor Way, $738,000 Richard B. Spurgin to Yg Pleasant LLC, East Pleasant Street, Lot 1, $218,000 Richard B. Spurgin to Yg Pleasant LLC, East Pleasant Street, Lot 2,...
Arts & Life
Speaking of Nature: Capturing my Bermuda nemesis: The Great Kiskadee nearly evaded me, until I followed its song
We’ve reached that point in the school year when it is actually painful (I mean physically painful) for me to leave my yard in the morning. May is the true month of the reawakening and blooming of Nature’s splendor and last week she was in full...
Obituaries
Florence, MA - Eli Knapp Abrams, of Florence Massachusetts, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 in Goshen, MA. Eli was born in Beverly, MA on March 19th, 2003. He is the cherished son of Jennifer and Maury Abrams, and belov... remainder of obit for Eli Knapp Abrams
Easthampton, MA - Sandra A. Bell, 77, of Easthampton passed away peacefully on May 2, 2024 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital after a brief illness surrounded by her family. Sandy was born October 28, 1946, in Fall River, MA to John and V... remainder of obit for Sandy A. Bell
Amherst, MA - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Harold (Hal) Portner, 93, of Amherst, MA on April 29, 2024. Hal was born in Hartford, CT on Dec. 5, 1930. Hal is predeceased by his parents Abraham and Leah (Specto... remainder of obit for Harold Portner
Hadley , MA - Juanita a proud Cuban and Sagittarian self-taught antiques dealer beloved wife of over 40 years mother, grandmother, great grandmother and to all a loyal and generous friend. She completed her earthly journey on April 26, ... remainder of obit for Juanita Canty