news, local

National Adoption Day: In a courthouse in Hadley, 14 children and their families formalize their bond

jlowe — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

HADLEY - The Blair family keeps on growing. Friday, Martha and Wayne Blair of Leeds officially adopted 3-year-old Savannah. It was a big to-do, attended not only by mom and dad, her big sister and two big brothers, but also by the people she calls grandma and papa and uncle and aunt. And there were plenty of stories just like Savannah's: Adoptions for 13 other children from Hampshire and Franklin counties were finalized at the courthouse Friday as part of National Adoption Day.
--Judge cites desperate need in region for foster families
--Trumpeting the value of foster care adoption

Judge cites desperate need in region for foster families

jlowe — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

HADLEY - "We need - desperately, desperately need in this region - foster families," Judge Lillian Miranda told a crowd gathered Friday to celebrate National Adoption Day at Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court.

Although virtually anyone can be a foster parent, the judge said, it takes "commitment and selflessness."

Trumpeting value of foster care adoption

Daily Hampshire Gazette — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

Today, about 2,500 children in foster care are awaiting adoption across the state, according to the Massachusetts Trial Court system. Nationwide, the number is 129,000.

Pledge a thorny issue in Amherst

Nick Grabbe — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:00:00 -0500

AMHERST - Superintendent Alberto Rodriguez and the School Committee would much rather deal with educational issues than get tangled up in the question of whether teachers have to recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.

Supporters of Green Street Cafe press city to mediate

Chad Cain — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:09:57 -0500

NORTHAMPTON - The city will attempt to mediate a contentious long-running dispute between Smith College and Green Street Cafe.

Northampton neighbors to discuss suspicious fires

jlowe — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:09:57 -0500

NORTHAMPTON - While residents in the Hawley Street area remain on edge after recent fires in their neighborhood, a forum planned for Tuesday night will seek to allay their fears.

Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Bridge Street School library, the session is organized by Ward 3 City Councilor Robert Reckman and the ward's neighborhood group.

Board interviews finalists for South Hadley administrator job

steve — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:09:56 -0500

SOUTH HADLEY - Three finalists for the vacant town administrator position faced questions from the Selectboard Friday, but the board will wait until Monday before making a decision.