Don Ogden: Democracy takes another hit

We are already witnessing an assault on our democracy from Washington, now we find another attempt here at home. It came to our attention just a week or so ago that Gov. Maura Healey seeks to override “Chapter 503 of the Acts of 1982. Chapter 503, approved by 67.5% of voters in the state in 1982, [that] requires the Legislature to issue a report on a proposed nuclear power plant or low-level radioactive waste storage or disposal facility and the approval of voters at a statewide election before construction could begin.” (Recorder, July 5) The Healey administration is taking a page from MAGA’s anti-democratic playbook in an ill-conceived attempt to revive nuclear power here in the commonwealth and in the heart of the No Nukes movement. By ignoring the will of the people, the governor risks her reputation and, perhaps kicks the hornet’s nest.

Shirley Majewski: Bridge must be fixed soon

I heard the North Main Street railroad overpass bridge in South Deerfield was going to be replaced this summer starting when the kids got out of school.

The World Keeps Turning: ‘Joy is an act of resistance’

By ALLEN WOODS

That phrase has repeatedly elbowed aside many others in my memories of a thoroughly joyful jazz performance in Brattleboro, Vermont last May. Ednea Owens is an under-40 stand-up bass player who has the presence to lead a stage full of Julliard-trained musicians in a performance that managed to be both disciplined and unrestrained.

My Turn: Building community lighthouses

By JOHANNA NEUMANN

On a recent work trip to New Orleans, I visited a lighthouse. But, if you’re imagining a structure on the cliffs of Cape Cod, I need to clarify that this lighthouse was a little different. Here’s its story.

Michael Naughton: Facts and truth are important

Sometimes columnist Jon Huer’s ruminations take him to heights where the air gets a little thin, leading to lightheadedness. An example is his column “On ‘facts’ and ‘truths’” (Recorder, July 12). “All facts are tautologies,” he declares, pointing to “one week has 7 days.” Well, yes, definitions are tautologies. But not all facts are definitions, and some facts are not tautologies. Indeed, many are not. In that day’s paper, it’s reported that the Bridge of Flowers has reopened. That’s a fact, but it’s not a tautology, and I think more than “scientists, children, and trivia players” are excited about it. F

Anne (Zraunig) Patenaude: Sweetheart in Shelburne Falls

The ninth all-class, all-alumni Arms Academy Reunion was held on Saturday, June 28. It was a great success and well attended. There was a luncheon served at the Sweetheart in Shelburne Falls. I would like to thank Laura (event planner) for all her help with suggestions and setting up the tables. The association was so grateful for her expertise. A special thank you to Joe Rae for his help. It wouldn’t have been such a success if it wasn’t for them and their staff.

My Turn: Regionalization benefits health of students

By DEBORAH POTEE

For close to 40 years, I have spent almost my entire adult life working with teenagers. My work for the past 20 years has been in public, private and residential schools focusing on students’ mental health as a clinical social worker. As a resident of Northfield, I have worked to support our local public school district and have had a daughter, two nieces and a nephew graduate from Pioneer. For years, I have fundraised, written letters, protested, spoken at town and school committee meetings and engaged with administration and teachers, all in support of the success of this district.

Columnist Judy Wagner: A metamorphosis that sets us free

By JUDY WAGNER

Walking in our back gardens I caught a subtle but sublime scent. I looked around and spotted the milkweed patches we let grow off to the side. The heavy, waxy blooms were blooming, inviting the monarch butterflies to feed and thrive. These frail, delicate creatures fly as far as 3,000 miles for winter migration. It takes more than one generation for monarchs to complete their travel and reproduction, an astonishing and complex process. Amazing to think our bit of land can be part of such a wonder. No matter what we think of global trade or immigration, we are connected around the planet.

Norah Dooley: Masked law enforcement blurs the line between authority and abuse

Massachusetts legislators are considering an essential bill: An Act Ensuring Law Enforcement Identification. This is a matter of public safety, civil rights, and democracy itself. No officer — police or immigration — should be allowed to hide their face during routine public operations. Yet increasingly, agents show up masked and nameless, demanding compliance under threat, leaving the public unable to verify whether they’re encountering law enforcement or criminals in costume.

Joe Hebert: UMass swimming and diving teams a story of success

Regarding the article [“End of an Era: Remembering UMass athletics' glory days in the Atlantic 10, Gazettenet.com, July 7], while I appreciate the effort to acknowledge the history of these programs, I was disappointed by the omissions related to the UMass men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. The article noted that the men’s team had won an A-10 championship in 1997-98. In reality, the UMass men’s swimming and diving team has claimed 16 A-10 titles—in 1996–1998, 2001–2005, 2007–2012, 2015, and 2016. To my recollection, that is more A-10 championships than any other UMass team. The women’s team also earned an A-10 title in 2001. Additionally, the men’s team was New England Champion for eight years between 1987 and 1994, a distinction that also deserves mention. The article also neglected to recognize Coach Russ Yarworth, who led the men’s program from 1979 to 2019 — an extraordinary 40-year tenure. Russ was not only one of the most respected coaches in the conference, but also a former teammate of mine on the UMass squad in 1975–76. His leadership was instrumental in building one of the most successful programs in UMass athletics. The women’s team was similarly shaped by long-time head coach Bob Newcomb, who guided the team to its A-10 title in 2001 and played a central role in developing a competitive and respected program.

Pushback: Spending locally builds a stronger Greenfield ‘ecosystem’

BY AL NORMAN

In July of 2023, I wrote a Pushback column about the Benderson company of Buffalo, New York which had purchased a 6.7 acre parcel on the edge of Greenfield behind the Mohawk Trail McDonald’s. Out of state developers like Benderson, Robar and Ceruzzi are turning Greenfield into Anytown, U.S.A.

Guest columnist William Lambers: What you can do about nuclear weapons — 80 years after Trinity blast

By WILLIAM LAMBERS

It was 80 years ago on July 16 when a mysterious flash of light and a massive explosion rumbled in the New Mexico desert. Only a few people knew about it at the time, but the United States just entered a frightening unknown world: the age of nuclear weapons.

Larkin Pazanova: A spotting of the spotted lanternfly

This Sunday in Amherst, I saw my first spotted lanternfly. I wanted to share this news, because we can rally to protect our beloved ecosystem. Here are some ways I’ve found helpful to stay active about ecosystem protection: learn identifications. When you see a lanternfly, or another dangerous species, act as the planet’s immune system. Strengthen our bat population with those boxes. In other parts of the state, there are reports that bats are eating spotted lanternflies! The leading resource on the construction and maintenance of safe, healthy bat boxes is merlintuttle.org.

Jim Bates: Elitists seek control, pursue overreach

“Dont tread on me.” These words appeared on a flag in 1775 and were used as a rallying cry during the American Revolution and became a symbol of liberty, individualism, and defiance against authorities.

My Turn: Massachusetts is breaking its constitutional promise

By BILL LANE

My Turn: Americans left with only pointless chatter

By AHMAD ESFAHANI

Brian Lamore: Greenfield Tennis Association offerings

I am writing about the July 3 article entitled, "Community classics return: A look at Franklin County’s summer sports staples." [Recorder.com]. Noticeably absent from this article are tennis events organized by the Greenfield Tennis Association (GTA).  This summer season there are seven events scheduled between now and the end of September, including the Beacon Classic which has been played for decades right here on the clay courts of Greenfield.  People interested in participating can find more information at https://tinyurl.com/GTA-Tennis.Brian Lamore, Greenfield Tennis Association

Daniel Lyons: Fossil fuels and CO₂ reduction

Pat Hynes ends her July 7 column (“Human-made problems can and must be unmade”), which advocates stopping the use of all fossil fuels, with the question, “Why aren’t we doing it?” The answer is provided in a recent Vaclav Smil report: “To eliminate carbon emissions by 2050, governments face unprecedented technical, economic, and political challenges, making rapid and inexpensive transition impossible.”

Mik Muller: First annual “Triple Trivia” fundraiser a success

In case you missed it, the first annual Triple Trivia fireworks fundraiser for the Friends of Greenfield Recreation was a success. We raised over $1,500 for the Greenfield Fireworks Fund that night, and we hope to make even more in the coming weeks. How, you ask? Well, check this out.