Blogs
Transperformance Tuesday, August 26 @ 4 pm @ Look Park
Transperformance 18 Letters and Numbers:A Presentation of the Northampton Arts Council and the PTOs of Northampton’s Public SchoolsFor Immediate Release/August 11, 2008Contact: Northampton Arts Council, 413-587-1269Bob Cilman, Sondra Peron or Diane...New police station costs could exceed $20.747 million
Recently I watched the video of the recent presentation by the police station building committee, courtesy Adam Cohen and the North Street Neighborhood Association. You can watch the video here. The building committee consists of police lieutenant Scott Savino,...Ozone 1957-2001 animated graphic
Ozone 1957-2001DESIGN NORTHAMPTON WEEK SEEKS COMMUNITY INPUT
From Sunday September 7 through Saturday September 13 citizens of the City of Northampton will play host to a unique public process crafted to help shape the future of their city. Each year students from Notre Dame University’s Urban Design Studio, under the...New blog in the valley-“walk the walk” with photographer and writer Andrea Burns
Andrea Burns visited Denver this week to cover the Democratic National Convention. Check out her blog here for pictures of Ellen Goodman, Ron Kovic, of "Born on the Fourth of July" notoriety, and some of the protests staged outside of the convention.Also,...Reflecting on labor is the bottom dropping out on wage earners
Marketplace Economics editor Chris Farrell on inflation and wage rates (7 minutes)mushrooms can save the world
Quite an amazing talk. "Why you should listen to him: Entrepreneurial mycologist Paul Stamets seeks to rescue the study of mushrooms from forest gourmets and psychedelic warlords. The focus of Stamets’ research is the Northwest’s native fungal genome,...Eating locally not necessarily better?
Commentator and research fellow Will Wilkinson of the Cato Institute weighs in.Refresher on Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals landfill zoning enforcement proceedings-next up September 11
Video from 6/12/08 85-minutes ZBA Members: Sara Northrup David Bloomberg Barry Smith Video from 6/26/08 180-minutes My apologies for audio difficulties. 42 residents filed a zoning enforcement request with Northampton’s building commissioner seeking to halt...Leading Business Magazine Forbes Honors Northampton based Freedom Center in International Fundraiser; Anniversary Celebration Planned
Forbes, a leading international business magazine, has chosen the Northampton, MA based Freedom Center, an alternative mental health organization run by and for people diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, to be featured as their charity of the month in September....Some social commentary: Handlebars by Flobots
Lyrics to Handlebars: I can ride my bike with no handlebars No handlebars No handlebars I can ride my bike with no handlebars No handlebars No handlebars Look at me, look at me hands in the air like it’s good to be ALIVE and I’m a famous rapper even when...Northampton Design Forum takes flight
Adam Cohen strikes again with his video camera and captures the opening presentation of Northampton Design week. Also at the North Street Neighborhood Association website is a handout PDF that accompanied the presentation. Public donations are still needed....Ira speaks at the Northampton Design Studio, citizen Jenna Wikler makes recording
I was fortunate to have some time yesterday to attend a morning session of the Northampton Design Forum at 126 Main Street in Northampton, at the A.P.E. Gallery. Participating in a round-table discussion, I found Professor Phil Bess and the students professional,...September 11 memorials, construction begins
Conservation and bicycle trail events from Valley Land Fund, Broad Brook Coalition, Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, and FNTG
From John Body Here are some great events coming up this weekend: Saturday, September 13: Hike into East Meadows of Northampton with Harvey Allen We’ll look for fall migrants and have a look at the beautiful Baye Ponds in the Meadows, which were preserved by...Roboticist Dr. James McLurkin to appear at Springfield Symphony Hall (with his robots) free and open to the public
Roboticist James McLurkin (with his robots) Sunday September 14, 2008 -2 p.m."Dances with Robots: How They Work, What They Do" An Interactive Investigation of Swarm RobotsCo-sponsors: Hasbro, Inc. and PeoplesBank...Northampton arts council awards $2,500 grant to storefront Art; seeking applicants
The third BJ Goodwin Memorial Fund award was granted this month to storefront ART, a residency and exhibition program that uses empty storefronts to provide artists and the community greater access to the studio, exhibition and gathering space. The Board of Directors...TIF-TIF-TIF
The Northampton city council will be voting on a resolution Thursday night which would approve the Wright Architectural Millwork project as a certified project within the Northampton Industrial Park Economic Opportunity Area, would grant them a five percent Tax...Five College Women's Studies Research Center Upcoming Events Fall 2008
The following events will be held at the Five College Women’s Studies Research Center, 83 College St., South Hadley, on the Mount Holyoke College campus unless otherwise noted. All events are free, open to the public and fully handicapped accessible. On...Councilor Narkewicz moves to reform council rules-council votes no in 5-4 vote
The councilor from Northampton’s fourth ward, David Narkewicz, moved Thursday night to reform council rules as they pertain to committees that city councilors can serve on. In a five-four vote the ordinance amendment failed which means that it will not come back...Appointees of appointees will determine Northampton's zoning
As part of its sustainability initiative Northampton is undertaking a review of its zoning regulations. The planning board, a government agency that is appointed by the mayor with city council approval, will be charged with appointing the rezoning committee. I would...Arcosanti, AZ-a lesson in sustainability
From Arcosanti’s web site: "The idea of "going green" is nothing new. The concepts have been out there for years. All you have to do is drive about 70 miles north of Phoenix to find a community that has been living “green” for more...View video of the BPW landfill health studies forum
As a public service Adam Cohen and the North Street Neighborhood Association have posted a video of the health studies forum that was held Sept. 23 at JFK Middle School at Northassoc.org. Included there is a link to a PDF of the set of slides presented by the Mass....Robert Neuwirth on shadow cities
Cities-suburbs-do we know where we’re going to? Robert Neuwirth speaks on squatter cities and how they operate. While Northampton struggles to define infill and its character, from a global perspective squatter cities may become more the norm than the exception....September 25 Best Practices Committee meeting on Vimeo thanks to Adam Cohen and the North Street Neighborhood Association
Northampton, MA: Best Practices Committee, 9/25/08 from Adam Cohen on Vimeo. For more information visit the North Street Neighborhood Association here.Video Northampton Zoning Board of Appeals landfill zoning enforcement hearing, Sept. 11, 2008
I actually had time to attend the ZBA meeting Sept. 11 in order to complete the video documentation of the landfill enforcement hearing. The board voted unanimously to uphold the building commissioner’s ruling that the landfill is operating within the law, that...Folklore no more
After sifting through records in the city’s human resources department and stumbling upon a new policy, in July of 2007 I conducted an interview with Northampton Mayor Mary Clare Higgins regarding a change she made to the city’s group health insurance...How to register to vote in Massachusetts-deadline October 15
From the Mass. secretary of state website:Who may register? Only a person who is: a U.S. citizen, and a resident of Massachusetts, and 18 years old on or before election day How can I register to vote? By Mail: Mail-in registration forms are widely available. To...Lawsuit filed against city of Northampton
News Release – Lawsuit filed against City of Northampton, MA seeking relief regarding continuing zoning violations and nuisance conditions. Northampton, Massachusetts – Four residents of Northampton who are direct abutters of the Northampton Regional...In times of economic troubles perhaps it's time to consider a four day work week for some municipal employees
In today’s economic climate it is no surprise that most people are nervous, worried and counting their pennies, if they are fortunate enough to have any. In Northampton as elsewhere workers and retirees are losing value in their savings and pensions plans. At...Springfield Public Forum presents Roger Mudd in free lecture Tuesday evening at Springfield Symphony Hall
Springfield Public Forum "Great Speakers, Great Discourse, Free to the Public" Join us on Tuesday, October 14th at 7:30 pm and get the "insider’s perspective" on some of the most defining moments of the 20th century and the media that...Second lawsuit filed against the city of Northampton, this one looking for relief of nuisance conditions pertaining to its regional landfill
News ReleaseNorthampton, Massachusetts – Four residents of Northampton who are abutters of the Northampton Regional Sanitary Landfill on Glendale road have today filed a complaint in Superior Court in Northampton seeking relief from the nuisance and damages...A sign of what?
Some of these signs are pretty funny… This is not…there’s been ample media coverage of the recent vandalism and burning of presidential candidate Barack Obama’s political lawn signs in Northampton. Some are calling it a hate crime with racial...More on political signs
Read full article here.Stantec and the Northampton landfill's sunk costs
Early this past summer When I contacted Ned Huntley, Chief of the Northampton Department of Public Works, I was hoping to learn more about how the DPW functions, how it is funded, and specifically how much the city has remunerated Stantec, the environmental firm that...For all those tons, what do we get? We're not talking about coal here but is Northampton selling its soul for a mountain of trash?
According to DPW chief Ned Huntley the landfill operation generated most recently about $3.2 million in revenues and its solid waste enterprise fund contributes $468 thousand per year to the city’s general budget through a host community fee. The $468 thousand...Former mayoral candidate Gene Tacy alleges foul play over future city council landfill vote
Landfill Song by Andrew Woodland On Friday, July 11, 2008 Northampton City Council President and Board of Public Works member Jim Dostal appeared on radio station WHMP. Regarding the Phase 5 landfill expansion proposal Mr. Dostal, who has historically supported...The City Thinks: Considering China
Springfield Public Forum "Great Speakers, Great Discourse, Free to the Public" Dear Friend of the Public Forum, The City Thinks: Considering Chinabegins Thursday, October 30. Join us and learn more about China through cultural and educational programmingfor...Three Best Practices meetings courtesy Adam Cohen and the North Street Neighborhood Association
The Best Practices Committee is charged to present draft recommendations to the City Council by December 4, so now is indeed the time for members of the public to submit their suggestions. Do so at the Best Practices Suggestion Box. As always thanks to Adam Cohen and...Civil complaint filed against the city of Northampton for alleged violations of the Wetlands Protection Act
News Release – Northampton, Massachusetts – Eleven residents of Northampton have today (Oct. 31, 2008) brought a civil complaint in Hampshire Superior Court against the City of Northampton requesting injunctive relief against the City of Northampton...Majora Carter details her fight for environmental justice
From TedTalks: In an emotionally charged talk, MacArthur-winning activist Majora Carter details her fight for environmental justice in the South Bronx — and shows how minority neighborhood suffer most from flawed urban policy. Majora Carter is a visionary voice...Best Practices Committee begins final report
The Ad-Hoc Committee on Best Practices in Northampton Decision-Making (Best Practices Committee) is entering the final phase of its activities and beginning the preparation of a draft final report to the Northampton City Council. The draft report will be submitted to...Northampton city council president Jim Dostal resigns from Board of Public Works
Thursday evening at-large city councilor Jim Dostal tendered his resignation from the Board of Public Works and was immediately replaced by M.J. Adams, of the Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity. Councilor Dostal did not explain his sudden decision to resign....Municipal investments gone bad
As the city of Northampton prepares to enter the bond market to finance its new police station, some cautionary tales seem worthy of consideration. The city plans to sell municipal bonds and pay interest to investors in order to build the station, then pay down the...Dow Chemical and the world's water
Only 2.5% of the world's water is suitable for drinking. The following video is not an endorsement of Dow Chemical and its corporate citizenship. It presents nonetheless an interesting view of where the world is with regards to potable water, this as the city of...PUBLIC FORUM ON ZERO WASTE NOVEMBER 19-PLEASE ATTEND
Innovative Approaches to Managing Northampton's Solid Waste The City of Northampton is exploring options to manage solid waste after the current landfill space is full, projected for 2011. Come and share your ideas! *** 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 19 *** JFK...Mary Serreze interviews Northampton BPW Chair Dave Reckhow on the proposed landfill expansion
Dave Reckhow, chair of Northampton's Board of Public Works, recently spoke with journalist Mary Serreze about the BPW's decision-making process on the Glendale Road Landfill expansion vote, about city council president Jim Dostal's recent resignation from...The Northampton Senior Center and a municipal bond
As many of you are probably aware, the city closed the new Senior Center on Conz Street last Friday because of safety concerns related to a defective cupola. It was all over the media. There have been a host of issues reported arising from the center, from fallen...Fundraiser to benefit Clara Gardner
Northampton Community Fundraiser to Benefit a Northampton High School Student seriously injured this summerClara GardnerSunday, November 23, 2008Spaghetti Dinner: 1:00-4:30 PMElks Lodge #99717 Spring Street, Florence, MATel: 413-584-0297Donation: $10.00 RafflesFor...NPR's Nina Totenberg at Springfield Symphony Hall Wednesday night
Springfield Public Forum presents "The Supreme Court" with Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 7:30pm. 34 Court Street, Springfield It has been said that among the most important decisions the new U.S. President will...Area bloggers keeping busy
Northampton blogger Mike Kirby continues his work on the Heritage Bank scandal and has released Part Three of, "The Fall Guys" on his blog Kirbyontheloose. Mike also reports that Doug Kohl has filed with the city for permits for 23 townhouses and a duplex on...City Council votes to amend council committee rules
In a 6-1 vote the Northampton city council passed an amendment to section 22-1B of the Code of Ordinances of the city, which would regulate which city agencies councilors may serve on. At large councilors Dostal and Bardsley were not present. Councilor Murphy, who...Mary Serreze sings her latest hit, “The Landfill Song,” with a little help from John Coster
This is sure to top the charts!Panhandler X
Panhandling. What to make of it. I don't know, the issue strikes very close to home, or should I say homelessness. It is difficult for me to write about it here, but once upon a time in the mid 1990s I had an in-your-face experience with panhandling and...Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Christmas Fair December 6 @ St. John's Episcopal Church 9 am – 3 pm; 48 Elm Street, Northampton
Spectacular arts/crafts, jewelry, gift baskets, homemade fudge and cookies, Christmas wreaths, handmade tree skirts and table runners, ornaments, secondhand books and other tag sale items. Cafe open all day with hot cider, sandwiches, pastries, plus performances of...Serious Play! Serious Fun!
Village (Hospital) Hill meeting tonight
Joint Workshop of the Village Hill Citizens Advisory Committee, Northampton Planning Board, and Northampton Housing Partnership Monday, December 1, 2008 @7:00 PM J.F.K. Middle School Community Room 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA Workshop Topic: Proposed Revised Master...Quaker Craft and Bake Sale Sat. Dec. 6 from 11 am – 3 pm @ 43 Center Street-2nd floor
Crafts of all kinds, houseplants, notecards, aprons, as well as paintings, poetry, a recipe book, baked goods, decorations and collectables and more. Plus cider and doughnuts AND there’s no admission charge. Elevator available.Sales will benefit The Survival...E-Edition
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