As a retired performing arts teacher, it is always disheartening to learn that whenever there is a budget crisis such as in Northampton, the arts are the first to be cut.

Missing from the ongoing discussion is the positive effect a performance has on the school and community. How wonderful to be able to assemble your community to showcase student musicians and thespians! It fosters pride in the school and community. If you saw the smile on the faces of the audience after a good show, you would understand just how important it is to keep the arts intact.

In these stressful times, we could all use more smiles.

Judy Gutlerner

Amherst