Eesha Williams's Blog, page 195
February 4, 2011
Vusi Mahlasela in Northampton Feb. 16
Vusi Mahlasela, a singer-songwriter, guitarist and activist who lives in South Africa, will perform a public concert in Northampton on February 16 at 7 p.m. Mahlasela was active in the movement that overthrew the apartheid government in South Africa. In 1994, he performed at Nelson Mandela's presidential inauguration.
"Vusi has a sort of profound beauty about him. He has a light on," said two-time Grammy award winner Dave Matthews.
Photos: Eagles Over River Farm
These photos were taken on February 4 in Gill, Massachusetts, near Greenfield. They show a pair of eagles, farm buildings, and the Connecticut river. The Golden eagles who live in the Valley go to Canada to raise their young. The Valley Post welcomes comments from anyone who can identify these birds. To make a photo bigger, click on it, then scroll down and click "see full-size image." photos by Eesha Williams
February 1, 2011
Fight Over Valley Nuke Rages
Twelve months ago, the Vermont senate voted to permanently close the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant. The New York Times published several long articles about the vote, which, the newspaper suggested, would mean the reactor's owner, Entergy Corporation of Louisiana, would be required to close Vermont Yankee in March 2012. In the weeks after the vote, activists who had worked for decades to close Vermont Yankee celebrated. There were at least two victory parties in Brattleboro, one of...
Like a Leech, Wal-Mart Returns to Greenfield
Wal-Mart wants to build a massive new store and parking lot, destroying open space in Greenfield. The town Planning Board will hold its final public hearing about Wal-Mart's scheme on February 3, according to a board spokesperson. "Please save the date, and encourage your friends to come and speak out against this environmentally and economically valueless plan," said Greenfield resident Al Norman.
The hearing will start at 7 p.m. at the middle school auditorium.
January 28, 2011
Activists Slow Pavers in Valley
On January 27, the Franklin Land Trust announced it had saved farmland and forest land from development in the Massachusetts towns of Ashfield (near Greenfield), Conway, Hadley (near Northampton), Heath, Leyden and Whately. In Ashfield, the Trust worked with landowner Peter Corens to conserve 81 acres of land, including pasture that was most recently leased to Sidehill Farm for their dairy operation. Also protected are critical woodlands and historic sites along Bear River.
January 16, 2011
Events Will Help People Get State Money for Home Energy Efficiency
A group of people in Springfield is helping Valley residents get state money to make their homes more energy efficient. The group, the Alliance to Develop Power, is hosting free, public evening meetings in: Amherst January 19, Easthampton January 20, Northampton January 26, and Greenfield February 2.
People at the meetings will learn how to sign up for a free energy assessment, get money for weatherization and other energy efficiency services, said Boone Shear of the Alliance.
The meeting...
