Search Results

Keyword search: MA

Has anyone else noticed how many professional athletes are now doing the “Trump dance” when celebrating? From the UFC to the NFL, people seem to be happy again! People feel a sense of relief to express themselves without fear and the country is in a...

Regarding the Nov. 21 Gazette story “Council Rejects $1M for sidewalk and road repairs,” why would six members of the Town Council assume a competition between school funding and safe sidewalks and roads? Both need funding. Safety — maintenance of...

In these tumultuous times, it is more important than ever that we safeguard and support our civic institutions. In Amherst, one of our most beloved and democratic institutions is the Jones Library. It is in dire need of renovations and expansion. I...

I was saddened and angry by the time I finished reading the Nov. 5 Gazette article regarding the proposal of rezoning the entire stretch of University Drive in Amherst [“Planners consider modifying U-Drive rezoning”]. The focus of rezoning is to build...

On Dec. 3, 1860, President James Buchanan delivered his State of the Union address justifying the fugitive slave laws, denying the right of the territory of Kansas to abolish slavery, and blaming Northern abolitionist agitators for inciting slave...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Contractors for the $4.47 million renovation of the track and field at Amherst Regional High School are expected to be sought beginning in January, when bids are posted, with construction on schedule to start in summer 2025.The Town Council...

The rhododendron bush is a great temperature gauge according to garden writers. If the leaves are very furled you know its cold. I have two bushes in front of the dining room windows. When I open the shades, I know whether to bundle up or...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — Hunting on Amherst conservation lands would be prohibited under rules being considered by the town’s Conservation Commission, which, if adopted as written, would closely mirror land-use regulations related to hunting in the city of...

By JACOB NELSON

The Christmas season, for people who celebrate, tends to be full of traditions. Maybe it’s watching the same corny holiday movies every year. Maybe it’s making Grandma’s special cookies, a yellowing index card with her faded cursive handwriting...

By CAROLYN BROWN

It’s been 40 years since the band NRBQ played at Sunderland’s The Rusty Nail on New Year’s Eve, but a devoted fan and friend of the band kept the night alive with his concert footage. Later this month, the Academy of Music will screen that footage,...

By GARRETT COTE

AMHERST — There may be plenty of reasons for UMass fans to lament the athletic department over the past two weeks – a third-straight disappointing football season and a subpar men’s basketball start (3-5 record) among the results-based reasons outside...

By CHRIS LARABEE

DEERFIELD — After a few months of a temporary closure in which its owner was determining the next steps, Bittersweet Bakery & Cafe recently reopened its doors with a revamped business plan.Laura Thiem, who owns and operates the 6-year-old bakery and...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — As someone who takes care of and cleans buildings on the University of Massachusetts campus, Sun Chong’s workload doubles when her colleagues call out sick or leave university employment.“They don’t hire people, so then we have to cover each...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

HADLEY — A nearly $20 million redevelopment of a former Route 9 hotel into a mix of 51 one-bedroom and studio apartments for low- and moderate-income residents will get an infusion of $100,000 from the Hadley Affordable Housing Trust Fund.At the...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A series of affordable housing developments in progress, construction beginning on a new elementary school and the possibility that an expanded and renovated Jones Library will get underway are being highlighted by town officials in their...

By ZICHANG LIU

AMHERST — University of Massachusetts professors Chang Liu and Xiaojun Wei have discovered a new method to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — “forever chemicals” found in water, soil, air, food, and other consumer products, paving the way...

By RYAN AMES

AMHERST — “Coach Joe” is now on the job.Joe Harasymiak was officially introduced as UMass’ new head football coach Friday morning with a press conference at the Martin Jacobson Football Performance Center.The 38-year-old Harasymiak becomes the 32nd...

By CAROLYN BROWN

Thousands of University of Massachusetts Amherst students have learned from percussion instructor Thom Hannum, whose 40-year career at the college included a tenure as the assistant director, then associate director, of the Minuteman Marching Band...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

AMHERST — A traditional celebration that has been part of Amherst’s holiday season since the 1960s, the Merry Maple lighting is back at its usual location on the North Common on Friday, with a newly lit maple tree.A year after continued construction...

By SCOTT MERZBACH

SHUTESBURY — A general town bylaw creating a licensing process for large-scale battery storage in Shutesbury has been struck down by the state attorney general’s office, for both unreasonably regulating renewable energy and improperly regulating...