Editor’s note: A difficult week at the Gazette

Dear readers,

This past week has been very difficult at the Gazette. As a result of the pandemic and declining revenue, several talented staffers were laid off; we all hope it’s a temporary state and that we can bring back as many people as possible in the near future. 

I will tell you what I told our staff: Emotions are still raw, mine included. It’s not the time to try to smooth things over. Nothing is “normal” right now, including the ways in which we communicate. But it’s so important that we communicate clearly with one another. 

Our publisher, Michael Moses, mentioned previously that some of our print products could be impacted by financial pressures related to the public health crisis. Starting this Friday, Hampshire Life magazine will be temporarily suspended due to a lack of advertising. I know how much readers love and look forward to Hampshire Life; I’m one of them. 

This week also marks the last print issue of the Valley Advocate until April 30. We will still be producing e-editions of the Advocate in the meantime, as well as updating the Advocate website.

Of course, we will continue to report, write and photograph stories about Hampshire and Holyoke life, and you can read those stories on our website at gazettenet.com and in our e-editions.

Thank you for your support.