Changing Lives Though Literature program aims to reduce recidivism

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — Changing Lives Though Literature, an alternative sentencing option that offers those on probation reduced sentences upon completion of a 10-week literature program, is inspiring many of its graduates to pursue higher education.The program...

Greenfield Notebook: Dec. 3, 2024

Dec. 10: Cookie Tasting & Recipe Exchange GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library invites the community to participate in its annual Holiday Cookie Tasting & Recipe Exchange on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 6:30 p.m. The program is intended for ages 14 and...

PHOTO: Canalside crowd

Backed by award, Northfield entomologist looks to future research

By AMALIA WOMPA

NORTHFIELD — Growing up on a dead-end road in Pelham surrounded by nature, Charley Eiseman couldn’t help but take interest in the natural world.It was this early love for the environment that ultimately led Eiseman down the career path of entomology,...

Bernardston Senior Center recognized for providing ‘a model for digital inclusion’

By AMALIA WOMPA

BERNARDSTON — From the moment she became director of the Bernardston Senior Center, Jennifer Reynolds observed a theme not just in her own town, but in other communities with significantly higher populations of senior citizens: a chronic lack of...

Home heating help on tap: Residents urged to apply for fuel assistance

By SAMUEL GELINAS

A week after warm weather led to warnings of fire danger statewide, homeowners are starting to turn their thermostats up as temperatures drop.But for many, the extra expense to heat their homes is a tough ask. That’s why state and local agencies are...

SAPHE 2.0 to modernize local health care

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

Gov. Maura Healey signed the Statewide Accelerated Public Health for Every Community (SAPHE 2.0) bill in late November on the coattails of a $4 billion economic development bond bill. Now roughly four years in the making, local health officials say...

PHOTO: Playtime at Paws Park

Pioneer Valley Regional School Honor Roll, First Quarter

Seventh Grade Highest Honor: Tucker Aldrich, Aaron Archer, Ahnna Berthiaume, Layla Coffin, Ariah Dikeman, Benjamin Fournier, Emma Goulding, Shivani Harris, Samuel Lawler, Evangeline Lewis, Deveney Pillsbury, Gianna Shattuck, Hannah Skorupa, Amy...

Markey predicts RFK Jr. hearing will spark ‘uproar’

By ALISON KUZNITZ

BOSTON — U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, joined by a cohort of Massachusetts health leaders, has declared he will vote against confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary, saying Americans need a leader who...

Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials in Orange hope to expand Honor Roll Wall

By CARLA CHARTER

The Trustees of Soldiers’ Memorials in Orange are tasked with the upkeep and maintenance of all veterans memorials in town, including an ongoing project to expand the Honor Roll Wall in Memorial Park. The monument lists Orange residents who served in...

Franklin Tech accepting applications for adult education courses

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

TURNERS FALLS — The Adult Education Department at Franklin County Technical School is preparing to offer its fifth semester of 12-week certification courses in automotive technology, carpentry, electrical, horticulture, and welding and metal...

PHOTO: Wet walk

Regional Notebook: Dec. 2, 2024

Retired reporter Richie Davis to read from trilogy Retired longtime Greenfield Recorder reporter and editor Richie Davis will read at the Greenfield and Leverett libraries from his trilogy of collected feature stories from Franklin County and beyond....

39th annual Moonlight Magic calls on residents to shop local on Black Friday

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

SHELBURNE FALLS — After a cloudy, rainy week, the village experienced a bit of holiday magic on Friday evening as hundreds of people swarmed Bridge Street for the 39th annual Moonlight Magic event. Marching from The Mill at Shelburne Falls down Conway...

Authorities identify Northampton man found dead in Gill

GILL — The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has identified the 29-year-old man whose body was found in the Connecticut River near the French King Bridge on Monday afternoon as Northampton resident Daniel Esrick. No foul play is suspected,...

Passport promotion boosts business in Northfield

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

NORTHFIELD — One week remains in a new promotion that allows visitors to 17 Northfield businesses to get a “passport” stamped for a chance to win prizes. The passports were created by Leslie Cameron, who owns Cameron’s Winery and The Back Room Brewing...

BHN brings addiction, mental health rehab for women to Greenfield

By ANTHONY CAMMALLERI

GREENFIELD — The regional human services organization Behavioral Health Network Inc. has begun a new 16-bed addiction and mental health rehabilitation program for women at its Kenwood Street location.“Recovery is never a one-size-fits-all approach,”...

Photographer raises $325 for North Quabbin Dog Park with canine photo shoot

ORANGE — A photo shoot for dogs last weekend generated at least $325 for the North Quabbin Dog Park.Photographer and dog owner Kirsten Spencer snapped images of at least 40 canines. The cost was $15 for a minimum of one photo. Dog owners can get more...

North County Notebook: Nov. 30, 2024

Warwick to host holiday craft fair WARWICK — Approximately 40 craftspeople and vendors will be at Warwick Community School, 41 Winchester Road, for a holiday fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, also known as Small Business...