Arts
Direct from the Sunshine State: Augusta Savage Gallery celebrates its namesake with group show from Florida
By STEVE PFARRER
Augusta Savage rose to prominence as a sculptor and educator when she moved to New York City in the 1920s, where she soon became a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.But Savage, who was also a determined advocate for equal rights for African...
Turning 35, with some new plays to mark the occasion: Chester Theatre unveils its 2024 program
By STEVE PFARRER
Chester Theatre Company turns 35 this year, and for its 2024 season, the ensemble is throwing in some new wrinkles to mark the occasion, from the world premiere of two new plays, the addition of some Friday matinee shows, and a production that the New...
Reclaiming the myth: World premier of ‘Gorgons’ tells the story of Medusa’s sisters, this weekend and next at Hawks & Reed
By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI
A modern spin on the Greek mythology will hit the stage at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center Friday, March 8, with the world premier of “Gorgons,” a play written by Megan Tripaldi and directed by Kevin Vandevelve. The two-actor play, starring Human...
Change the world in 1,000 days: It starts with supporting babies and their families
By DOUG SELWYN
A recent essay by Blythe Thomas, initiative director at 1000 Days, an organization that fights “to make health and well-being during the first 1,000 days (between pregnancy and a child’s 2nd birthday) a policy and funding priority,” begins by asking...
Sounds Local: Your favorite musician’s favorite musician: British singer-songwriter Luke Concannon plays in Shelburne Falls this Saturday
By SHERYL HUNTER
We all know that Ed Sheeran is a pop superstar and a bestie of Taylor Swift, but you probably didn’t know that he is a huge fan of of folk singer Luke Concannon, a British folk artist who will perform at The Mill in Shelburne Falls this Saturday,...
Connecting over casserole: Make this nourishing chili casserole when you want to communicate affection
By TINKY WEISBLAT
The little church I attend in Charlemont is in transition, getting ready to look for a new minister. Right now, we are enjoying sermons from the Rev. Randy Purinton of Amherst.Randy is a delight. He is wise and funny, and he often manages to work a...
Crafted at home for the home: Josh Hannon creates wooden household goods that are both functional and beautiful
By EVELINE MACDOUGALL
Western Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s finest artisans and craft fairs. We can admire gorgeous objects made of wood, glass, wool, clay, flax, stone, wax, and other materials, and this happy circumstance allows us to shop locally....
Speaking of Nature: The bird that surprised me: Brown Creeper uncommon for most of year, expertly camoflauges among dead trees
By BILL DANIELSON
It was the end of a very long day, but, because of the increasing daylight that we have all been enjoying, it was still light out when I got home. I pulled up to the garage, but I had to get out to open the garage door because my door opener had died....
Preserving a key part of Emily Dickinson’s legacy: Historic Evergreens house reopens at the Emily Dickinson Museum
By STEVE PFARRER
Between the “Dickinson” series on Apple TV+ and movies such as 2016’s “A Quiet Passion,” interest in Emily Dickinson has grown in the last several years, even beyond the already intense admiration that existed for her poetry among readers and literary...
Giving the gift of song: Eventide Singers, who serenade those in hospice care, to perform ‘thank you’ concert March 10
By AALIANNA MARIETTA
The Second Congregational Church will host an annual performance by the Eventide Singers, an a capella group of volunteers who serenade individuals in hospice care and their loved ones with the sacredness of song, on Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m.“We...
What’s old is new again: In Stile Moderno will perform ‘modern’ music from 1600s Italy in Greenfield and Northampton
By GRACE LEE
In Stile Moderno, an early music ensemble founded in Basel, Switzerland, and named after the “modern style” of music that emerged in Italy around 1600, is coming this month to Greenfield and Northampton to perform a show titled “Madrigals of Claudio...
Let’s Talk Relationships: Your voice matters: An open invitation to share your thoughts
By AMY NEWSHORE
I have always found the topic of relationships fascinating and intriguing. In my monthly column, I write about romantic love, along with other significant relationships, and the perplexing challenges that we all inevitably face.Although it may be easy...
Faith Matters: Covenant as an art: How caring for others puts us in touch with God’s love
By THE REV. JAMES KOYAMA
I’d like to share a recent experience with you and what it says to me about being part of the church in our world. Quite recently, one of our members passed away. He was a man beloved by many, who I came to know near the end of his life.When we...
Sounds Local: Cloudbelly drops highly anticipated sophomore album: Plus, concert tickets to grab while you still can
By SHERYL HUNTER
After releasing three singles that left us anxious to hear more, Cloudbelly, the Montague-based band led by singer-songwriter Corey Laitman, released its sophomore album, “i know i know i know” (Strange Library Records), last week. Laitman is joined...
Celebrating with syllabub: A whipped dessert inspired by Jane Austen and Hallmark movies
By TINKY WEISBLAT
When I was in graduate school, I taught a class called “American Women’s Fictions.” My students made their way through stories popular with American women.We started with “Charlotte Temple,” a 1791 novel about an English schoolgirl who is seduced and...
Tapping into sweetness together: Severance’s Maple Products chosen for Maple Month kick-off
By EVELINE MACDOUGALL
Maple sap processing season is short, yet Northfield’s Milt Severance thinks about syrup all year. His sweet vocation will be celebrated this Friday, March 1, when his sugarhouse is singled out to host the Ceremonial Tapping that kicks off Maple...
Speaking of Nature: From rare to regular: The Carolina Wren may soon become a regular backyard bird for all of us
By BILL DANIELSON
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2023 was the warmest year ever recorded. I remember it being hot in the summertime, but I think the effect of this heat was most noticed by me in the autumn. The Thinking Chair...
The night that changed Deerfield forever: New book gives a comprehensive look at the infamous Deerfield Massacre of 1704
By CHRIS LARABEE
If you’re from the region, you’ve probably come across the story of the 1704 attack on Deerfield, or, at least one of the many monuments placed around the county commemorating the English colonists.But how much do you really know of this time period,...
The team that went all the way: Turners Falls High School baseball won State Championship in 1942; next month they will be inducted into the Western Mass Baseball Hall of Fame
By RICHARD ANDERSEN
Imagine this. It’s 1942. Springtime. The country is in the first of months of a war that is already one of the deadliest catastrophes in world history. By the time it ends in 1945, 30 million people are no longer among the living.You’re 18 years old...
Focus on Your Health: Matters of the heart: During American Heart Month, Baystate brings attention to cardiovascular health
By ANITA FRITZ
Here at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Dr. Timothy Egan treats patients with all types of heart issues. He grew up in the Pioneer Valley, and after many years of living in different parts of the country, he says he was “so happy to be able to...
