A noisy night at a Times Square Chevy's sparked Northampton writer Arvid Nelson's fantasy epic, "The Band of the Crow," featuring frost giants, powerful sorceresses and an unlikely teenage hero.

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.

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.

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.

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 childhood visitor to Executive Director, Justin Pelis finds his purpose at Look Park. Discover how this horticulture expert is preserving the 153-acre Northampton gem for its upcoming 2030 centennial.

Following last year’s Hampshire Pride, Pearson received a handwritten note from Gina-Louise Sciarra, who had just been elected to her second term as Mayor of Northampton.

From transistor radio dreams to founding Signature Sounds, Jim Olsen has shaped the Pioneer Valley’s music scene. Discover the 50-year journey of the man behind "Back Porch Radio" and local festivals.

Life coach Dana Olivo empowers women to rediscover themselves and embrace dreaming again. By focusing on future goals and self-compassion, she helps clients navigate life’s transitions and find genuine joy.

From childhood library protests to the State House, Representative Lindsay Sabadosa’s journey is fueled by a lifelong love of learning, linguistics, and a tireless dedication to serving her Massachusetts community.

Modern digital banking has evolved from a luxury to a necessity. Craig Boivin explores how UMassFive prioritizes convenience, security, and control to empower users and support the local community’s wellbeing.

Lindsay Barron LaBonte, branch manager of Applied Mortgage, honors her father’s legacy by helping thousands of families achieve homeownership while strengthening the community through extensive nonprofit support and local business advocacy.

Speechless until age 13 due to tumors, Ella Nathanael Alkiewicz used art for solace. This experience fueled her passion for education and led her to become an essential storyteller for her Inuit culture.

Northampton Living celebrates five years of uniting the community. This magazine is your local social media in print, focusing on positive, educational content that connects people and businesses.

Inspired by his father's humor, comedian Tim Lovett turned life's hardest hits—including a wrongful arrest—into comedy. Now he tours with "Comedy as a Weapon," proving that resilience and authenticity are the ultimate punchlines.

From overcoming inequality as a young player to founding Soccer Without Borders, Mary McVeigh champions soccer’s power to unite. ‘It’s not just about winning—it’s belonging, connection, and changing the world.

After a decade in radio, WRSI’s Emily Bourque still feels she’s finding her voice. From shaky beginnings to hosting weekday afternoons, she blends music, local stories, and her love for dogs with growing confidence.

Astrid Lindstrom was always an inspired writer. While in elementary school in Gambier, Ohio, a small town populated by one thousand people, she felt compelled to organize a poetry anthology. “I was the editor,” says Lindstrom, now a retired teacher and Northampton resident who recently published a memoir about love and loss.

Meet the Wildes: How a frisbee-playing couple traded corporate jobs for a roofing business & found their perfect home in Northampton's welcoming community. #SmallBusiness #WesternMA

What began as one Facebook post about a stray rabbit blossomed into Western Mass Rabbit Rescue during the pandemic. Founder Jordana Starr now cares for 20+ foster bunnies and special-needs rescues. "We promise every rabbit will be loved," she says. Meet bonded pairs like sassy Fribble and adoptable Kewpie—proof that compassion multiplies!

Dr. Sharon Saline redefines neurodivergence, advocating for acceptance and kindness. She helps clients embrace their unique brains, using methods like the 5 C’s of ADHD to improve relationships and self-esteem.

Yoga first captivated Beth Tascione as a child, but it wasn’t until adulthood that it became her calling. From New York’s bustling yoga scene to Northampton’s quiet charm, she built a career blending movement, mindfulness, and teaching, ultimately finding fulfillment through her online studio, Yoga and Reiki Bliss, and community connections.

Celebrate Janel Jorda's 20 years of business and marriage. Discover her journey from scrappy beginnings to leading Web-tactics, her love story, and her passion for giving back.

The founder of Building Bridges, an initiative to foster veterans’ healing through shared monthly lunches, remembers the first not-so-successful gathering in Northampton at the old World War II club. “One veteran came,” he says. “You could hear a pin drop.” But a seed was planted, and three had lunch the next week.

JEFF BELANGER IS OBSESSED WITH HAUNTINGS. Best known for his work on the “Ghost Adventures” series and “New England Legends” podcast, the Southbridge-born ghosthunter is coming to the East Longmeadow Public Library on October 1 with a slate of scary stories. “I’m into anything weird,” he says. “Mostly ghosts, but anything on the fringe. I feel like that’s where we learn the most about who we are.”