The hot new spot in Shelburne Falls: Hotfire Bar and Grill feels in many ways like a home kitchen

By TINKY WEISBLAT

As a food writer, I am embarrassed to say that I’m never the first person in the area to discover a new restaurant. My culinary bent and my low income lead me to eat at home most of the time. Nevertheless, I do eventually hear from people I know about new eateries.

World of wonder: Walter Wick’s dynamic photographic illustrations at Norman Rockwell Museum

By DON STEWART

STOCKBRIDGE — The dynamic images of photographic illustrator Walter Wick can be viewed through Oct. 26 in four galleries at Stockbridge’s Norman Rockwell Museum.

Local authors up for statewide awards: Four Franklin County authors nominated in four different Mass Book Awards categories

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

Four Franklin County authors have been nominated for the 2025 Mass Book Awards. 

Multiple bottom lines, plenty of heart: Oxbow Design Build celebrates first decade

By EVELINE MACDOUGALL

Oxbow Design Build co-founder Carl Woodruff referred to multiple bottom lines as the local business celebrates its 10-year anniversary: “We use environmentally stable materials and contribute to the community by creating affordable housing while also being a for-profit enterprise with competitive wages and benefits.” In addition to aiming for lofty goals, Oxbow delivers superb results for residential and commercial clients.

‘I want you to see who we really are’: Portraits of Native Americans of southern New England on display at Great Falls Discovery Center

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

Photographer and member of the Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, Scott Quanon Menuhkesu (Strong Hawk) Foster, is sharing glimpses into cultures of Native Americans of southern New England through his ongoing “Ways of My Ancestors - We Are Still Here” photography series on display at the Great Falls Discovery Center.

Faith Matters: Church should be political, but not partisan

By THE REV. JANET ADAIR HANSEN

Even back when I was ordained to Christian ministry more than 40 years ago, churches would get comments that they “were too political” or sometimes they “were not political enough.” In today’s widely divided society, when other viewpoints are not just seen as different but in a derogatory fashion, the divide between America’s two main political parties seems an unfathomable chasm. Many churches and clergy try to stay out of the fray, trying not to offend members or anyone else in the community. However, claiming to “not be political” is itself a political stance.

Sounds Local: Shelburne Falls Porch Fest to fill village with music

By SHERYL HUNTER

There’s nothing better than strolling through the village of Shelburne Falls and taking in all the sights of this picturesque area. Now, imagine the sound of melodic guitars and sweet, soaring voices drifting through the air from the porches of nearby homes. This would transform an already enjoyable experience into something even more special.

Nature Photo Contest

Speaking of Nature: The big beautiful world —A baby nuthatch ventures out

By BILL DANIELSON

My school year stretched into late June and then I had several social engagements that I had to attend to during the rest of the month. As a result, my first week of vacation was actually busier than a regular week of work. It was fun, but it required enough energy that I declared a moratorium on any and all social entanglements for the first week of July and I managed things so that I only had to get into the car once to run a small errand. That was a real treat.

A basic omelette: perhaps the most French of foods

By TINKY WEISBLAT

The French are getting ready to celebrate their big national holiday, 14 Juillet (July 14, known internationally as Bastille Day). So are Francophiles around the world.

Fighting back through portraiture: Greenfield exhibit raises awareness about violence against Indigenous women

By LUKE MACANNUCO

The painted gaze of Littlefox, a Native American woman from Minneapolis, follows viewers who enter The LAVA Center to view the arts venue’s current exhibit, “Portraits in RED: Missing and Murdered Indigenous People” by artist and activist Nayana LaFond.

Finding belonging through nature: Leverett exhibit showcases linoleum block prints

By MADISON SCHOFIELD

Different people, different perspectives, united in ink.

‘Maple and Hemlock’ looks to connect attendees with the land through arts

By LUKE MACANNUCO

With its newest event, the Montague Retreat Center hopes to offer “a weekend art and cultural immersion with nature as our muse.”

One year on, ‘timeless’ theme keeps ‘Money Game’ popular

By JULIAN MENDOZA

In the year since locally filmed drama “Money Game” premiered in Greenfield, the vitality of the film’s message has only gotten stronger, members of the cast and crew say.

Buckland author explores field of energy medicine

By TINKY WEISBLAT

Rick Leskowitz of Buckland is a fascinating figure. He’s a psychiatrist, a bit of a historian and a pioneer in the field of energy medicine. This field aims to explore unseen forces and connections within the human body and between human beings.

Sounds Local: Shows galore planned for July 4

By SHERYL HUNTER

The long Fourth of July weekend is upon us, and if you are looking to enjoy some live music as you celebrate America’s birthday, you will have plenty of options — and some of them are even free!

Speaking of Nature: The most beautiful local butterfly? The Question Mark is a species of forests and forest edges

By BILL DANIELSON

As we begin the month of July, we find ourselves in an interesting moment in the year. Most of the birds have already had their first round of chicks and some species may try for another round of breeding. Other species of birds have made their one and only attempt at reproduction and, successful or not, they will not try again. It is something that you can actually hear across the landscape in the early morning. Some species are still singing, while others are now quiet.

‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’: A crackerjack of a recipe in honor of July 4

By TINKY WEISBLAT

I tend to throw a lot of history in with my recipes. I promise that next week (or maybe the week after that!) I’ll talk only about food. With Independence Day looming later this week, however, history seems appropriate.

Life’s a drag! A day in the life of producer and queen, Magnolia Masquerade

By Hannah Bevis

On most days, Andrew Curran, better known as his drag persona Magnolia Masquerade, is a whirlwind of activity, brainstorming ideas for future shows, creating the props that will bring them to life, running the rehearsals with other drag queens who fill out the cast — but he looks almost peaceful in the hours leading up to one of his performances. Starting around 2 p.m., Curran plops himself down in front of a tiny, well-lit mirror in his bedroom to prepare for Magnolia’s performance that evening at Last Ditch in Greenfield. Abba and a mix of show tunes plays quietly as a gentle breeze wafts in through his open window, sunlight streaming in the room.