Magazine Archive
Magazine Archive
All that Jazz: Ruth Griggs on the Music of a Lifetime
It may have taken a lifetime, but Ruth Griggs has fallen in love with jazz. The board president of the Northampton Jazz Festival shares how the genre shaped her life.
From Backpacks to Butterflies
The transition to a new school year is exciting but stressful. Using proactive sensory strategies and movement breaks can help ease the adjustment for children and families alike.
DNA’s Taste of Northampton is a ‘Gift of Love’
Northampton's beloved celebration of local food, music, and community returns this month with a broader scope, featuring 47 organizations, two music stages, and free admission for all.
Tapestry Health: Community Health for Every Body
Tapestry Health serves approximately 20,000 people annually through reproductive healthcare, harm reduction, and community health programs, bringing vital services directly into western Massachusetts communities.
Small Projects, Big Returns
Adding real value to your home doesn't require full renovations. Here are 10 smart, high-impact projects that increase home value without substantial financial investment.
Medicare Made Easy
Turning 65 should be celebrated, not approached with anxiety over Medicare. A local broker agent explains common concerns and how to navigate enrollment with confidence.
What Do You Want Your Wealth to Say About You After You’re Gone?
One of the largest wealth transfers in history is underway. By aligning investments with your values, you can pass on not only wealth but a framework for future decisions.
Andrew Stein: Lion Whisperer
Andrew Stein, founder of CLAWS Conservancy, has dedicated his career to reducing human-wildlife conflict in Africa, providing communities with compassionate alternatives to protect both livestock and lions.
Franklin Land Trust Preserves Picturesque Western Mass
Since 1987, Franklin Land Trust has conserved over 37,000 acres across western Massachusetts, helping landowners protect their legacy as a generational transfer of farmland accelerates across the region.
In-Home Caregivers Provide Constant Comfort for Hospice Patients
Luci's Loving Care explains how professional home caregivers complement hospice teams, providing daily personal care and companionship so families can focus on meaningful time with loved ones.
Take a Shot
Allergist Dr. Jonathan Bayuk explains why early September is the ideal time for flu, Covid, and RSV vaccinations, and why last year's flu season was the worst in 25 years.
The Mission Behind the Mill
A repurposed 19th-century mill gave Riverside Industries a permanent home, sparking a thriving cultural ecosystem where human service programs and over 100 artists and makers share one address.
Fall is Knocking at Your Door
Before Halloween arrives, complete this HVAC checklist to keep your home warm all winter. A quick tune-up, fresh filter, and heat test now can prevent costly surprises later.
Matilda Aileen Joins Northampton's Music Scene
Eleven-year-old singer-songwriter Matilda Aileen, who debuted her anti-bullying single "Rude Boy" on Spotify at age 10, uses music to turn life's joys and heartbreaks into words.
From Desperation to Destination: Summer on Strong Thrives in its Sixth Season
Born from COVID desperation, Summer on Strong transformed a Northampton street into an al fresco dining destination with free live music every Thursday through Sunday, May to September.
Across Western Mass, Stavros Breaks Barriers for People with Disabilities
For 50+ years, Stavros Center for Independent Living has empowered 8,000+ people monthly with free services including wheelchair repairs, therapy sessions, and accessibility ramp construction across western Mass.
Smart Ways to Use the Equity in Your Home
Home equity loans and HELOCs let homeowners fund renovations or consolidate debt strategically, but experts caution against using your home as collateral for routine spending or luxury purchases.
Home Inspection 101: When Buying a Home, What Types of Inspections Do I Need?
Every buyer should get three inspections: a general home inspection, radon testing (critical in western Mass's granite geology), and a wood-destroying insect inspection to protect their investment.
When Your Customers Are Describing Where They Are, Does Your Business Show Up?
Google's new Ask Maps lets users describe situations instead of typing keywords. Businesses that speak to real-life moments, not just products, will win visibility in this shift.

