Magazine Archive
Magazine Archive
The potential threat of an interconnected world
The year is 2010. It’s spring. Apple just announced a brand new product that claims to revolutionize the way people interact with each other, do work, and entertain themselves among many other things. They had been consistently putting out new connected devices, first with iPods, then with iPhones, all designed to make our lives easier, at a time when life was getting increasingly more complicated.
Park Story: Sustaining the ecosystem and legacy of Bliss and Laurel Parks (Part 2)
The April issue offered a discussion of the history of Bliss and Laurel Parks 70 years ago, ending in 1952 with the collapse of “the Pump” as the Town’s summer watering hole and the opening of the Bliss Park Pool. Today, the parklands remain a sanctuary in the middle of our Town.
Valley CDC Helps Small Businesses Succeed
Along with almost all businesses, COVID took a toll on mine. I launched my website strategy and design shop in 2019, and have spent more time working during COVID conditions than normal ones. So, I jumped at the chance to enroll in the Valley Community Development (Valley CDC)’s Small Business Fundamentals workshop listed in the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s newsletter.
The Absorption (Part 6)
Sugar rations during WWII landed American snackers to eat three times more popcorn. The salacious scribe, the paradise pear pundit, pasta maker David Bow Tie described this time period as “Corns gold rush” and the golden age of popcorn. Meanwhile, the research and development teams at Hauer Gang brands developed Pelican Briefs, it was rumored that this short form fitting turned the tide.
The Neighborly Absorption (Part 16)
Sugar rations during WWII landed American snackers to eat three times more popcorn. The salacious scribe, the paradise pear pundit, pasta maker David Bow Tie described this time period as “Corn’s gold rush” and the golden age of popcorn. Meanwhile, the research and development teams at Hauer Gang brands developed Pelican Briefs, it was rumored that this short form fitting turned the tide.
David Mintz: Helping People with the Power of the Law
If there’s one thing David Mintz is familiar with, it’s the law. “I’ve always been interested in the art of persuasion,” he started. “My friends would say that I’ve always loved a good debate.” Having worked with the law since graduating from George Washington University in 1982, David knows firsthand how impactful a good lawyer can be when they’re needed most.
The Armata’s Family
If you live in or around Longmeadow, chances are you have heard of Armata’s. What makes the store so significant to so many residents is that Alexis Vallides, the owner, and her employees try to foster a familial environment, not only with each other as coworkers, but also with the customers. The fire that burned down the store last November definitely put that family to the test.
Veterans & Medicare: Healthcare for those who served
Did you know that 1 out of every 5 Medicare beneficiaries is a veteran? Many don’t realize that enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan will not disrupt VA coverage; in fact, it can enhance it by adding provider choices and extra benefits such as dental, transportation, and in some situations a partial Part B premium giveback.
Amelanchier: Connecting Seasons, Wildlife, and People
Early spring, when winter still brings snow flurries and cold frosts, when Daffodils and Hyacinth fight through the frozen ground to bring light and hope for the coming months, before the mosquitos and ticks become active and the ecological engine that are the Northeast Deciduous forests open their leaves to the sun, there is a humble yet vital native shrub blooming silken white flowers and sharing its delicate scent through crisp air currents.
Park Story: The history of Bliss and Laurel Parks (Part 1)
On any given day, the 81 acres of Bliss and Laurel Parks provide Longmeadow residents with a place for respite and recreation. They are a legacy gift, first envisioned as the community’s water supply district. The district, established by a 2/3rds Town vote in 1894 and advanced by a State Legislative Act in 1895 for land taking, comprises six parcels.
Weathering the heat waves
With summer just around the corner, a lot of people are already installing their air conditioners and turning on their central AC systems. While the winter in New England definitely gets a bit too cold, the summer can be just as brutal, if not more so.
The Neighborly Absorption (Part 15)
Sprong sprengs as spring sprang and sprung. If you received Richard Quickley’s pamphlet Get Rich Quick in the mail, you’ll receive Got Rich Quick really soon. Every time I go near the monkey cages at the zoo I step in Rhesus pieces. The agony and ecstasy of painting one’s bathroom is like an Edy’s pie, so take a bite.
The Absorption (Part 5)
Sprong sprengs as spring sprang and sprung. If you received Richard Quickley’s pamphlet Get Rich Quick in the mail, you’ll receive Got Rich Quick really soon. Every time I go near the monkey cages at the zoo I step in Rhesus pieces. The agony and ecstasy of painting one’s bathroom is like an Edy’s pie, so take a bite. Lemon shark sounds delicious, I wonder if they contain a high level of Vitamin C?
Carol Moore Cutting: A pioneer in the community
WEIB-106.3 Smooth FM is not just the only locally-owned and independent commercial FM radio station in the Springfield area, and not just the only woman-owned commercial FM radio station in Massachusetts; it is also the only African-American-owned radio station in New England. And all of this is possible only because of the effort and dedication from the one and only Carol Moore Cutting.
Don Munson: Re-emergence of a painter
Everyone experiments with art when they’re growing up. Despite this innate yearn to create that we all experiment with when we’re young, very few end up devoting their lives to art. Don Munson, a father, grandfather, husband, Longmeadow resident and painter, is one of the people who has devoted his entire life to producing artwork.
Money Myth #2: The equity on my home earns an investment return
When I ask the average investor, “what does the equity in your home earn..?” I usually get a perplexed look. If they are with their “significant other,” one will look at the other with that, “hey you know the answer to this question….right…look??” So what does the equity in your home earn everyday? Let’s do a brief experiment and find out.
Staying connected with neighborhood clubs
My mom’s friends used to gather once a week for art club, rotating around to each other’s homes. Each friend would bring an art project they were working on, varying from painting to rubber stamping and greeting cards to jewelry-making. Everyone would lug in their art supplies and set up their stations around the kitchen table. Then they’d talk and laugh all night long. Art was their excuse to get together, and friendship grew out of their shared interests.
The Neighborly Absorption (Part 14)
Tattler the Rattler slid while snaking the entire time. In a constant search for a mild rue lullaby, he decided to settle near the bayou. Ophidians do not have outer or inner ear bones so they all have to buy or make mask straps if they want to catch a Blue Heron flight.
You should live and breathe easy in your own home
Living under the Covid cloud for over two years has left many of us with an overwhelming existential question: Is it safe to breathe? It’s a question most acutely felt in public spaces where the uncertainty over safety protocols, inconsistency of mask adherence, and unknown vaccination compliance is at the fore. But I believe it is a question to be addressed in our own homes where we have the opportunity to actively improve the air quality and our daily wellness.
The Absorption (Part 4)
Tattler the Rattler slid while snaking the entire time. In a constant search for a mild rue lullaby, he decided to settle near the bayou. Ophidians do not have outer or inner ear bones so they all have to buy or make mask straps if they want to catch a Blue Heron flight.